EVALUATION OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS' ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS REGARDING PROBIOTICS AND PREBIOTICS

Abstract

This study was planned and conducted to comprehensively evaluate the attitudes and behaviors of university students regarding probiotic/prebiotic sources and supplements. A three-part questionnaire form was developed to assess the attitudes and behaviors of participants regarding probiotics/prebiotics. The probiotic sources mostly consumed every day were cheese types, yogurt, and buttermilk. In contrast, 95.2% of the participants had never consumed boza and 61.6% had never consumed kefir. As for the consumed prebiotic sources were analyzed, 15.2% of the participants consumed whole-grain/whole-wheat bread, 7.9% dried fruits, and 5.8% banana every day. The prebiotic sources that consumed rarely were asparagus, soybean, and artichoke. The rates of probiotic and prebiotic consumption for a specific reason were 18.3% and 16.2%, respectively. When asked about the specific reasons for consuming probiotic/prebiotic sources, the most common response was to strengthen immunity. The rate of participants who used probiotic supplements was 4.5%, whereas none of the participants reported using prebiotic supplements. The reason for using probiotic supplements was mostly to strengthen immunity. Brief information on probiotics and prebiotics provided in written and visual media may not be sufficient. It is important that information and awareness-raising activities are planned by the relevant authorities for the conscious choice of these sources and supplements.