Journal of health research in community

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zafarzadeh A, arzamani K, mirkarimi S K. Identification of Cockroach Species and Analysis of Knowledge–Practice Gaps Among Food-Facility Staff in Bojnord City, Northern Khorasan. J Health Res Commun 2026; 12 (1) :75-86
URL: http://jhc.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-1214-en.html

Introduction and Purpose: A thorough understanding of species composition and infestation patterns, along with an assessment of food handlers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), is critical for developing effective pest-management strategies. This study aimed to identify cockroach species distribution and evaluate KAP levels among food-service workers in Bojnord, Iran. 
Methods: This cross-sectional (descriptive-analytical) study used cluster sampling at 211 urban sites to determine cockroach species and infestation status. KAP levels were assessed using a researcher-developed questionnaire administered to 52 food handlers selected through proportional stratified sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, Pearson correlation, linear regression analysis, and chi-square tests in SPSS software, version 21, with the significance level set at 0.05.
Results: Of the 211 sites, 52 (24.5%) exhibited cockroach infestations, with the highest prevalence observed in food-production facilities (53.8%). Blattella germanica was the predominant species (96.5%), while Periplaneta americana accounted for 3.5%. Knowledge scores ranged from moderate to high, and attitudes were generally positive, whereas practice scores were poor. Although attitudes (β=0.268, p=0.145) and knowledge (β=0.218, P=0.233) weakly predicted practices, these relationships were not statistically significant. 
Conclusion: The substantial infestation rates, primarily driven by B. germanica, in Bojnord’s food-handling facilities highlight the need for intensified pest-control measures. The disconnect between adequate knowledge and attitudes and suboptimal practices emphasizes the necessity of targeted, practical training, improved environmental hygiene, and the provision of proper control tools to achieve sustainable pest management.