Abstract
Foodborne diseases remain a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries such as Pakistan, where unsafe food consumption and inadequate hygiene practices contribute to a high disease burden. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Sukkur, Sindh, to assess dietary habits, water and sanitation practices, and the prevalence of foodborne illnesses among the local population. Data were collected from 300 participants using a structured questionnaire. The results indicated widespread engagement in high-risk behaviors, including consumption of unpasteurized milk (77%), street-vended juices (71%), and undercooked animal products (23%). Poor water and sanitation conditions were also common, with only 15% of respondents reporting boiling drinking water and 63% lacking access to proper toilet facilities. Diarrhea (70%) and typhoid fever (18%) were the most frequently reported illnesses. Younger individuals and those from lower-income households were identified as particularly vulnerable to foodborne infections. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted public health interventions that address both behavioral risk factors and infrastructural deficiencies. Strengthening integrated food safety and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene strategies is essential to reduce the burden of foodborne diseases in high-risk settings such as Sukkur, Sindh.