Impact of Lebanon’s Economic Crisis on Food Poisoning: A Studyof Demographic Disparities, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice inNorth Lebanon Community

Abstract

The ongoing economic crisis in Lebanon has significantly impacted public health, particularly in relation to food safety and foodborne illnesses. This crosssectional study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning food poisoning among the North Lebanon community during the crisis. Data were collected from 349 participants aged 18 and above through a structured online questionnaire from March to May 2023. The findings revealed a decline in food safety awareness since the crisis, with only 26.6% of participants reporting being well-informed, compared to 73.4% prior to the crisis. Social media emerged as the primary source of food safety information (75.6%), while healthcare workers were underutilized (16.9%). Dairy products (12.6%) and poultry (11.7%) were identified as the leading causes of food poisoning, particularly from collective catering sources (83.7%). Participants expressed growing concerns over food quality in restaurants (80.5%) and new food brands entering the market (36.1%). Despite heightened public awareness, gaps in food hygiene practices persist, underscoring the need for enhanced food safety education and regulatory oversight. These results highlight the urgent necessity for public health interventions to address food safety risks exacerbated by the ongoing economic challenges in Lebanon.