The effectiveness of food-borne diseases training among clinicians in Guangdong, China

The effectiveness of food-borne diseases training among clinicians in Guangdong, China is investigated and the role of training for food-borne diseases surveillance in China is also discussed. Two hundred and forty-one individuals who attended the training courses from Guangdong CDC were surveyed by means of twice self-completion questionnaires. Food-borne diseases knowledge, attitudes, and practices of participants were assessed before and after the training. Results indicate that positive and significant changes in their food-borne diseases knowledge and practices have been brought about. The average scores before training were 4.91 +/- 1.09 for the knowledge, 3.66 +/- 0.58 for the attitudes and 5.16 +/- 2.20 for the practices on food-borne diseases, while after training respectively were 5.33 +/- 1.15, 3.72 +/- 1.06 and 5.60 +/- 2.06. In conclusion, food-borne diseases training improved the knowledge and practices of food-borne diseases of clinicians, induced the subjective initiative and learning interest on food-borne diseases among clinicians, and promoted the cooperation between CDC and clinicians participating in food-borne diseases surveillance. After the training, food-borne diseases KAP scores of clinicians from different departments have overall increased, especially for physician, pediatrician and younger or lower educational level clinicians. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.