The performance of cooks and the related factors supporting cafeteria management in schools under Primary Educational Service Area Office 1 in Phra Phutthabat District, Saraburi

Abstract

The objective of this study is to survey the performance of cooks in schools under Primary Educational Service Area Office 1 in Phra Phutthabat District in order to improve the performance of school cafeteria management. The information was obtained whose occupation is either a food preparator or a school principal from 26 schools under Primary Educational Service Area Office 1 during April 1, 2018 - August 31, 2018 using the questionnaire prepared by the author. Variety of statistical analyses such as percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used in this study. From the results, 25 out of 26 people (96.14%) in food preparator group responded to the survey The majority of the respondents (84%) are female in the 33-69 age range and the most attained education is at the primary level (44%). The average income ranged from 3000 to 14750 bath. The respondents showed high-level knowledge of cafeteria standard with 88% (mean= 25.36 SD=1.99), as well as, a very positive attitude toward food sanitation in the school cafeteria at 72% (mean =25.36 SD=1.99). At the same time, 68 % (mean=2.12 SD =0.21) only received information about cafeteria standard occasionally from leaflets, magazines, journal, and public relation boards. according to the interview with the school administrators, the answer is 9 places,accounting for 34% , the areas they need improvements are cafeteria management policies, the location and structure of cafeteria buildings which are clean, hygienic and properly ventilated by standard, have sufficient number and quality of eating utensils and kitchenware, comply with food sanitation standard from structure, food preparation procedure to waste disposal, and the last but not least, the management system which continuously perform quality control assessment on food preparation, service, and hygiene in cafeteria. Besides, the external supports are required from Provincial Administrative Organizations such as Municipality Subdistrict Administrative Organizations for direct financial and construction support, from local private company or entrepreneur for financial supports and standard quality equipment, and from the governmental bodies related to public health such as hospitals and District Public Health Office for health standard assessment and continuous feedback for improvements. The study suggested that it would be beneficial to develop policies to improve the quality cafeteria management in schools and provide a more accessible channel for these school to receive the information regarding food sanitary, in order to reach the food hygiene standard of schools under Primary Educational Service Area Office 1 in Phra Phutthabat District, Saraburi later on.