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Research Article
Review on the Impact of Pesticides on the Production of Safety and High-Quality Honey in Ethiopia
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-5
Received:
5 November 2025
Accepted:
18 November 2025
Published:
8 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.11
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Abstract: Honey is a highly valued natural product, prized not only for its unique taste but also for its nutritional, medicinal and economic significance. Rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds, honey has been used for centuries as a dietary supplement, therapeutic agent, and natural sweetener. In Ethiopia, which is recognized as the largest honey producer in Africa and one of the leading suppliers globally, apiculture plays a critical role in supporting rural livelihoods. Beekeeping contributes significantly to household incomes, enhances food security through pollination of crops and generates substantial export revenue, making it an important component of the national economy. However, the quality and safety of honey are increasingly threatened by the accumulation of residues from pesticides, veterinary drugs and environmental contaminants. Such residues can alter honey’s physicochemical and enzymatic properties, reducing its nutritional and organoleptic quality and may pose serious health risks to consumers, including neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes the implementation of integrated pest management (IPM), routine monitoring of chemical residues and systematic training programs for farmers and beekeepers on safe practices. Furthermore, promoting organic and bee-friendly farming systems can help protect pollinators, maintain ecological balance and ensure the production of high-quality honey. Sustainable apiculture in Ethiopia depends on coordinated national policies, investment in research and extension services and active engagement of stakeholders across the honey value chain. By prioritizing pollinator protection, food safety and quality control measures, Ethiopia can secure the long-term viability of its honey sector while continuing to meet both domestic and international demand for safe, nutritious and high-quality honey.
Abstract: Honey is a highly valued natural product, prized not only for its unique taste but also for its nutritional, medicinal and economic significance. Rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds, honey has been used for centuries as a dietary supplement, therapeutic agent, and natural sweetener. In Ethiopia, which is recognized as ...
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Research Article
Evaluation of Knowledge and Practices Related to Safe Food Handling Among Bangladeshi University Students
Aysha Siddika*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
6-15
Received:
5 September 2025
Accepted:
19 September 2025
Published:
8 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.12
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Abstract: Ensuring safe food handling is essential for reducing the global burden of foodborne infections. In this context, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to food safety play a central role in prevention, particularly among university students who are developing independent dietary and food-handling behaviors. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess food safety KAP among university students in Bangladesh and to examine the influence of socio-demographic characteristics. To achieve this aim, a cross-sectional survey was carried out among 200 students from four public universities. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic variables, food safety knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices. Subsequently, descriptive statistics were applied for analysis. The findings revealed that students demonstrated strong knowledge of basic hygiene; for instance, 97.9% recognized proper handwashing, 98.5% supported covering hair during cooking, and 92.3% acknowledged the importance of sanitizers for kitchen surfaces. However, deficiencies were noted in technical aspects, as only 42.6% correctly identified safe thawing methods, and fewer than 3% reported the use of food thermometers. Furthermore, attitudes toward food safety were generally positive, with 97.5% supporting the separation of raw and cooked foods and 93.0% emphasizing the prompt refrigeration of leftovers. In contrast, reported practices were less consistent: 73.4% washed hands before food preparation, 64.8% stored raw and cooked foods separately, and only 33.2% covered wounds while handling food. Moreover, pharmacy students demonstrated higher knowledge levels, while urban students were more likely to implement safe practices. Taken together, the results suggest that although university students in Bangladesh display sound knowledge and favorable attitudes toward food safety, their practices remain suboptimal. Consequently, interventions focusing on behavioral change, skills-based training, and improved resource availability are required to bridge the knowledge-practice gap.
Abstract: Ensuring safe food handling is essential for reducing the global burden of foodborne infections. In this context, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to food safety play a central role in prevention, particularly among university students who are developing independent dietary and food-handling behaviors. Therefore, the present study ...
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Research Article
Assessment of Public Awareness and Attitudes Toward the Use of Over-the-Counter Analgesics and Their Potential Risks
Ahmed Ali Ebshena*,
Zubaeda Alsayeh
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
16-23
Received:
26 October 2025
Accepted:
4 November 2025
Published:
8 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijsr.20260101.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics are among the most commonly used medications worldwide due to their accessibility, affordability, and perceived safety. However, inappropriate and unsupervised use can lead to significant health complications such as hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, gastrointestinal bleeding, and drug interactions. In developing countries such as Libya, where pharmacy regulations and public health education remain under development, the tendency toward self-medication with OTC analgesics is notably high. Despite the potential public health implications, limited empirical evidence exists regarding public awareness, attitudes, and patterns of OTC analgesic use in Libyan communities. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate public awareness, attitudes, and practices related to the use of OTC analgesics and to identify potential knowledge gaps and behavioral risk factors associated with their misuse. The investigation focused on three Libyan cities Zawiya, Surman, and Sabratha and included participants from the general population, university students, and practicing pharmacists to ensure a comprehensive understanding across different educational and professional backgrounds. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted between March and July 2025, enrolling a total of 200 participants selected through convenience sampling. Data were gathered via a validated and pre-tested self-administered questionnaire comprising five sections: demographic characteristics, types and frequency of OTC analgesic use, sources of information, awareness of potential adverse effects, and attitudes toward self-medication. Results: Out of the 200 participants, 54% were female and 46% male, with a mean age of 27.3 ± 8.6 years. Approximately 68% reported using OTC analgesics without medical consultation, most commonly paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen. Pharmacists exhibited the highest awareness of potential risks (mean score = 82.4%), followed by university students (63.1%) and the general public (49.6%). Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in awareness across groups (p < 0.001). Awareness levels showed a positive correlation with educational attainment (r = 0.46, p < 0.01) and a negative correlation with frequency of unsupervised use (r = -0.38, p < 0.05). Despite this, only 37% of respondents could correctly identify the risks of excessive paracetamol use or potential gastrointestinal complications related to NSAIDs. Conclusion: The findings underscore a substantial gap in public knowledge regarding the safe use of OTC analgesics in the studied Libyan regions. Misconceptions about the safety of common painkillers, combined with insufficient pharmacist counseling, contribute to high rates of unsupervised medication use. Strengthening public health education, integrating rational drug use modules into university curricula, and enhancing community pharmacy engagement are strongly recommended.
Abstract: Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics are among the most commonly used medications worldwide due to their accessibility, affordability, and perceived safety. However, inappropriate and unsupervised use can lead to significant health complications such as hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, gastrointestinal bleeding, and drug interactions. In de...
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