WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Heba Baqer Abdulrazzaq Al-Haddad*, Shaymaa Hazim Mahmood Al-Bakri, Shatha Hassan Ali

ABSTRACT

Background: Mothers are primary food handlers in Iraqi households and play a critical role in preventing food poisoning among family members, yet their attitudes toward food safety are not well characterized in Baghdad. Aim of study: To assess attitudes of mothers attending primary health care centers in Baghdad regarding food poisoning and to identify sociodemographic factors associated with these attitudes. Patients and methods: This cross?sectional study included 200 mothers aged ≥18 years attending primary health care centers in Medical City, Baghdad, between January and May 2026. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from Shati et al., comprising sociodemographic variables and 14 attitude items scored on a three?point scale and categorized as good (≥60%) or poor (<60%) attitude. Results: Overall, 60% of mothers had a good attitude toward food poisoning prevention, while 40% had a poor attitude. Urban residence, higher educational level, employment, and lower frequency of eating outside the home were significantly associated with good attitude scores, whereas age, marital status, family size, family history of food poisoning, and the family member responsible for cooking showed no significant associations. Conclusion: This cross sectional study of mothers attending primary health care centers in Baghdad found that only 60% had a good attitude toward food poisoning prevention, while 40% had poor attitudes. Urban residence, higher education, employment, and lower frequency of eating outside were associated with more favorable attitudes, indicating the need for targeted food safety education for rural, less educated, and unemployed mothers.

[Full Text Article] [Download Certificate]