Knowledge of mycotoxins is associated with good practices in preventing mycotoxins ingestion among stakeholders in Northern Ghana

Aim : Adequate knowledge of the adverse effects of mycotoxins may improve exposure control practices. However, there is limited evidence on the association between the preventive practices of mycotoxins and knowledge of their effects among stakeholders in northern Ghana. The relationship between mycotoxins knowledge and practices for avoiding the ingestion of mycotoxins-contaminated food was examined. Methods : An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using a multistage sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire was employed for data collection in one-on-one interviews with mothers/caregivers (MCs) and agricultural workers (AWs), but a Kobo toolbox link was used for healthcare professionals (HCPs). Using a 10-item scale for each, respondents' knowledge of mycotoxins was categorised as adequate or inadequate, and preventive practices were categorised as poor or good. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the association between mycotoxins knowledge and practices. Results : Approximately 65.1% of HCPs, 40.2% of AWs, and 34.1% of MCs reported having adequate knowledge of mycotoxins. In addition, 53.7% of HCPs, 65.9% of AWs, and 40.5% of MCs reported good practices for mycotoxins prevention. Compared to those with inadequate knowledge of mycotoxins, HCPs, and AWs, those with adequate knowledge were approximately four times (AOR = 3.90, 95% CI: 1.39–10.94), and thrice (AOR = 3.69, 95% CI: 1.31–10.39) more likely to show good preventive practices for the ingestion of mycotoxins, respectively. Likewise, MCs with adequate knowledge were approximately twice as likely to show good preventive practices for mycotoxins. Conclusion : This study demonstrates that a higher knowledge of the health effects of mycotoxins may improve preventive practices to avoid mycotoxins consumption.