Microbiological risk hazards for children in play areas.

Abstract

Child play areas can pose a risk for children to infectious diseases. The prolonged presence of micro organisms in the environment has already been established. To quantify this risk, specific risk assessment studies are performed. To assess the microbiological hazard in play areas in Malta, a study was performed during 2005. This consisted of a study of the hygienic practices used in play areas. Face to face interviews; an inspection of the premises; environmental sampling and testing, a study on the awareness and attitudes of parents to risk factors, also by means of a face to face interview were carried out. Follow up studies were performed after recommendations on risk management were given. Overall hygienic practices in play areas were satisfactory. 66% of the premises were licensed while 55% of the food handlers were registered, appropriate cooking and cooling facilities were available in most of premises. Temperature control records were available in 80% of establishments, while 60% were using disinfectant for cleaning play area surfaces and monitoring of refrigerated vehicles was carried out by 60%. An overall improvement was registered as a result of the recommendations given. On first inspection, 67% of the premises were categorised as fair and 33% as good. On second inspection 7% of the premises were found to be in excellent condition, 33% were satisfactory, 53% were good and 7% were fair, after recommendations were given. The results of the environmental swabs also had low counts for indicator organisms, indicating a good overall hygienic condition. 58% of the Parents stated that the play areas were in good hygienic condition but lacked adequate hand-washing facilities for children. All parents agreed with the importance of hand hygiene and that infectious diseases can be transmitted via contaminated objects and from one person to another. It is recommended that a comprehensive control strategy be implemented, involving all stakeholders, to ensure that effective hygienic practices are maintained in play areas to protect children from infectious diseases.