Food Safety and Baby Food Handling Knowledge and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women in Bangladesh: Findings From a Questionnaire‐Based Cross‐Sectional Survey

Background and Aims: Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to foodborne illnesses, which can have detrimental effects on both maternal and fetal health. This study aimed to assess the food safety and baby food-handling knowledge among pregnant women in Bangladesh, along with associated risk factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 341 pregnant women using a structured questionnaire from January to February 2024. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, food safety knowledge across four domains (including personal and kitchen hygiene, symptoms of foodborne diseases, high-risk foods and cross-contamination, and storage and leftover food handling), and baby food handling knowledge. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors of knowledge levels. Results: Participants demonstrated an overall food safety knowledge score with a mean score of 15.88 ± 6.07 out of 30 (52.9% correct), but significant gaps existed in areas such as cross-contamination prevention, refrigeration temperatures, and thawing techniques. Baby food handling knowledge was slightly better with a mean score of 9.13 ± 3.86 (60.9% correct), although gaps existed regarding perishable food storage. The regression analysis revealed that older participants aged (≥ 25 years), those with no formal education, a family monthly income between 15000 and 30000 BDT, residing in rural areas, and in their first trimester of pregnancy had significantly lower food safety and baby food-handling knowledge. Additionally, baby food-handling knowledge was significantly lower among participants who experienced a second or subsequent pregnancy. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for targeted food safety educational interventions during antenatal care, particularly for older, uneducated rural pregnant women in their first trimester of pregnancy, to improve maternal and fetal health, as well as the health of newborns.