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| Author | Stefania Portughese |
| Abstract | Objectives: This study attempted to explore hygiene practices and control measures adopted by managements of local commercial gymnasiums and fitness centres which offer various training and leisure facilities. In particular, the study focused on the evaluation and management of health risks associated with the premises in question such as diseases and infections. The objectives included the evaluation of the level of awareness of gym operators of health risks associated with gymnasiums and fitness centres. Method: Publications on health risks associated with gymnasiums and fitness centers were reviewed in the introduction. A risk-based approach utilizing the principles of risk analysis as a guideline was adopted as the basis of the research methodology in carrying out this project. Managers and operators of all the advertised gymnasiums and fitness centers operating locally were personally interviewed by the author who used the same previously tested, through a pilot study, questionnaire throughout. In order to assess the veracity of some of the answers given during the interviews, the author conducted a number of observational visits. Conclusions: Although from a thorough analysis of the answers to the questionnaire and the results of the observational visits one can conclude that most of the gymnasiums and fitness centers do in practice adopt some basic control measures, such facilities may still pose a high risk of infection due to lack of identification of particular critical sites that have to be more rigorously controlled and the somewhat lacking knowledge on the part of many of the managers and operators interviewed of various aspects of hygiene. |
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| Key words | Environmental Health, Thesis, Hygiene, Gyms, Fitness Centers |