Abstract:
Study was carried out with the objective of evaluating the effectiveness of providing inservice training to PH Il, through the distance education method to improve the
implementation of specific legislation on food safety. A high level of self-assessed
competency was present in a majority of PHIl, in relation to performing tasks in
implementing food legislation. However, observations of performance indicated that
performance was poor in the activities carried out in the field as well as in the office. Three
distance education modules on the subjects; legislation on food safety. legal procedures in
food safety. food sampling and inspection and categorization of food handling
establishments were administered during the intervention. Post intervention results showed
that the knowledge had improved significantly in the intervention group in all subject areas,
with 'food sampling' showing the highest improvement. Overall performance in all three
activities i.e. inspection and categorization of food establishments, food sampling, and
documentation and record' keeping showed a significant improvement in the intervention
group. However, in comparison to the improvements seen in the performance of other two
activities performance of certain activities in documentation and recordkeeping’ showed
only a marginal improvement. The Present intervention was effective in improving the
knowledge and performance of the PHIl in implementing legislation on food safety
indicating the effectiveness of providing continuing education to PHIl using the distance
education modules. As this method proved to be feasible, of low cost and has the ability to
provide training without mobilizing the staff, it can be incorporated into !he existing training
system for health care workers serving in the Department of Health Services
