Social, Behavioural and Environmental Factors Influencing Foodborne Illness Among Saudi Arabian Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This body of research sought to identify often overlooked social, cultural and behavioural contributions to the measured frequency of foodborne illness among university students studying Public health in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected from 215 students through two surveys and monthly reporting of foodborne episodes over one year. A higher frequency of reported episodes was associated with some socially and culturally -influenced food access, preparation, storage and preferences in exploratory regression models. The methods and findings of this research can assist future studies to guide health promotion practices aiming to reduce foodborne illness.