[01] Al Suwaidi A. H. E., Preventive Medicine Department, Ministry of Health, Dubai, UAE. [02] Hussein H., School and Educational Institutions Health Unit, Health Affairs Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE. [03] Al Faisal W., School and Educational Institutions Health Unit, Health Affairs Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE. [04] El Sawaf E., Health Centers Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE. [05] Wasfy A., Statistics and Research Department, Ministry of Health, Dubai, UAE.

Background: food handlers i.e. any person who handles food, regardless whether he actually prepares or serves it, play an important role in the transmission and, ultimately, prevention of food borne disease. Information regarding food handlers’ practices is a key to addressing the trend of increasing food borne illnesses. Objectives: To study prevalence, and epidemiological and clinical characteristic of parasitic infestation among food handles in Dubai. Methodology: A cross sectional study was carried out. The study was conducted in Dubai city, the second largest city in U.A.E. Study was carried out in Dubai Municipality clinic which is the only authorized place for issuing medical fitness card for food handlers in Dubai. The study included food handlers attending Dubai municipality clinic for issuing medical fitness card. An appropriate sample size was calculated according to the sample equation obtained by using computer program Epi Info Version 6.04. The minimum sample size required was 420 food handlers. The study sample was 425 food handlers with 100% response rate. A systematic random sample procedure was carried out. Considering that filling the questionnaire was taking about 20-30 minutes, every 10th person was involved to select nearly 10 food handlers a day until accomplishment of the required sample size. Results: that 1.2% reported positive previous test for parasites, 60% had recurrent parasitic infection for three times or more. Results of fecal examination revealed a prevalence of parasitic infection of 2% food handlers. current or recurrent parasitic infection by socio-demographic data and history of training. Those more likely to have parasitic infection are workers in renewal status (OR =1.59), males (OR = 2.39) from Indian and South East of Asia in contrast to other nationalities (OR =7.56 and 3.08 respectively), working as bakers or in restaurants in contrast to home maid category (OR = 6.97 and 2.90 respectively) with income <1000 or 1500-<2000 AED in contrast to 2000+ AED (OR = 2.10 and 2.23 respectively). Conclusion: Parasitic infection rates among food handlers in Dubai is not that common and lower even than its rate in the general populations. Hygienic practice and parasitic infection rate among food handlers in Dubai significantly correlated with some socio demographic factors e.g. sex, type of work, training history, educational level and income. Recommendations: Re-certification, to keep up with new food technology and safe food-handling practices, and to ensure the safety of foods for consumers.

Parasitic Infestations, Food Handlers, Dubai

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