In Personal hygiene and behavior among 90 cake bakeries in cake making plants in Gaza Governorate, Gaza Strip were assessed. A cross section of cake bakeries was asked to fill in a questionnaire. Data were computer analyzed using SPSS/PC statistical package version 18.0. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square (c2) and Yates’s continuity correction test, c2 (corrected) were applied. The mean age of cake bakeries was 29.9±8.7 years. None of bakeries was illiterate and 71 (78.9%) of them were smokers. Fifty two (57.8%) of cake bakeries were not trained. Health status of bakeries showed that 11 (12.2%) stayed at work while they have been infected. Regarding personal cleanliness, 20 (22.2%) of bakeries changed their dress when it becomes dirty. Fifty four cake bakeries (60.0%) claimed that they wear gloves during work. Good personal hygiene in respect to hand washing was reported. Personal behavior showed that 13 (14.4%) bakeries wear rings during work. Eight (8.9%) admitted smoking, spotting and eating in the area of the work. Training seems to have a positive influence on personal hygiene and behavior among cake bakeries and this interaction was statistically significant for stay at work in case of infection (c2 corrected=4.198, P=0.040), changing dress when dirty (c2 =5.469, P=0.019) and wearing gloves (c2 =5.132, P=0.023). Most bakeries admitted that the cake making plants have smooth and easily cleaned floor, enough ventilated and well lightened. Bakeries' response on water facility revealed that plastic water tanks were commonly used (85, 94.4%), and changing and disinfecting them were frequent (81, 90.0%). Seventy two (80.0%) bakeries mentioned that plant tools are made of stainless steel and 88 (97.8%) stated that they were smooth.
Key words: Hygiene and behavior, cake bakeries, Gaza Strip.
