FOOD SAFETY BEHAVIORS OF ADULT/ELDERLY CAREGIVERS IN NEVADA

As a prelude to developing food safety educational modules for Nevada adult/elderly caregiver facilities, we assessed the extent of such behavior through questionnaires, i.e., we assessed the behavior, attitudes and food safety practices of supervisors in adult/elderly care facilities. Our questionnaire was based on a validated consumer food behavior questionnaire, modified to better assess the needs of the target audience. The questionnaire was tested and revised before being distributed to the targeted group. Mailing lists were obtained from a variety of state, local and personal resources. Data were collected from 390 adult/elderly licensed caregiver facilities located throughout urban and rural areas of Nevada. Findings showed that although caregivers have a basic understanding of food safety, specific concerns exist, e.g., we found only 39% have Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point guidelines, and up to 44 and 34% exhibited risky food preferences and cleanness behavior, respectively. Thus, we were able to determine some gaps in food safety knowledge for adult/elderly care facilities in Nevada, where future educational strategies will be targeted.