KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION AND CONSUMPTION PATTERNS OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS AMONG ADULTS IN IBADAN NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

Abstract

The high prevalence of consumption of dietary supplements in our community has led to increased research in this aspect in recent times. While studies have been carried out on knowledge and consumption, there is still much to be revealed about perception about supplements, consumption, consumption patterns and other key areas. This study described the knowledge, perception, usage patterns, reasons for consumption, duration of use and challenges associated with the use of supplements among adults in Ibadan North Local Government. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study among 220 adults in 5 wards of Ibadan North Local Government who were sampled by multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected from them using an interviewer-administered semi- structured questionnaire. The questionnaire had a 12-point knowledge scale, 12 point perception scale and other sections such as type and pattern of dietary supplement, reason for use, benefits and challenges were included. Analysis of quantitative data was done using descriptive (Mean, and percentages) and inferential (Chi square) statistics. The mean age of the respondents was 36.4+12.5 and the prevalence of use of supplements was 78.6%. The overall mean score on knowledge was 5.42 ± 3.01 out of a maximum of 12. The larger percentage of the respondents perceived supplements as useful for promotion of health (89.5%) and safe (84.1%) while 42.7% said it is more efficacious than conventional medicine. 89.1% had positive perception of dietary supplements and the overall mean score on perception was 6.97 ± 2.27 out of a maximum of 12. All the sociodemographic factors had a statistically significant relationship with respondents’ level of knowledge about supplements as P<0.05. Statistically significant relationship also exists between knowledge and consumption of supplements as P<0.001. It was also reported that statistically significant relationship exists between socio-demographic variables of sex, education and employment status and consumption of supplements and consumption pattern of dietary supplements as P<0.05. The most common supplement used by respondent was multivitamin and vitamin C and the most prominent reason for use of supplements was to promote and maintain health. The most common consumption pattern were daily and once in a while and supplement consumption in the last 3 months was at 75.7%. More than half of consumers’ source recommendation from health workers and

about 86% make purchases of supplements from Pharmacies/chemists. Majority of consumers, 92.5% do not experience adverse effects and 67.1% reported that no challenge was associated with the use of supplements. In conclusion, the study shows that supplement consumption was high but pattern of use was occasional while knowledge was fair. Educational interventions should be targeted to the adults in the IBNLGA in respect to content, safety and adverse effects of supplements.