Pregnant women's confidence and perceptions on practices related to food safety: A study in Louisiana

Abstract

Pregnant women are known as high-risk populations to infectious disease including foodborne illnesses. To protect pregnant women and their fetus from serious consequences of foodborne illness, food safety education is critical. The objective of this study was to measure pregnant women's confidence and perceptions on food safety practices in preparing their own meals at home. Two hundred and twenty-two pregnant women in and around urban area in Louisiana were recruited to complete the survey. Participants indicated high confidence in knowing how to keep foods safe for consumption as well as safe food handling skills. Thermometer using skills, however, were rated lowest, which indicated a gap in food safety education.