Prevalence of Foodborne Infections among Students in Dangbo Commune (Benin Republic) In 2018

Introduction: Common foodborne illness and foodborne diseases are responsible for many deaths, especially among children who, compared to adults, observe much less hygiene. This study aims to determine the most common foodborne infections among middle school students in Dangbo commune in Benin. Methods: To this end, the study involved 318 adolescent students, including 161 boys from the 6^th, 5^th and 4^th grades, selected according to the nonrandom method and the reasoned choice technique. The collection tools used were collection tools used was a questionnaire and an interview guide that took into account students’ health data. Results: Out of all students surveyed, 76.7% acknowledged the occurrence of foodborne infections on an irregular basis. These infections occurred regularly in 9.7% of respondents. Diarrhoea and stomach aches following the consumption of meals at school are the main foodborne infections cited by 61.6% and 13.8% of students respectively. Conclusion: The high frequency of diarrhoea requires action on behaviour and the environment to reduce it in students.