Knowledge and perception of the ketogenic diet followers among Arab adults in seventeen countries

Abstract

This study was aimed to assess the knowledge and perception regarding ketogenic diet (KD) followers among Arab adults. Self-administered, cross-sectional survey was conducted among seventeen Arab countries. The data of nutritional knowledge perception was evaluated using valid questionnaire to evaluate the frequencies and the percentage of each question response. A total of 1292 adults were surveyed in the study, majority of participants (94.1%) were aged between 18 and 49 years. The participants' mean BMI was 29.9 (SD = 13.1). The overall knowledge and perception scores were 68.36 ± 15.20 and 75.70 ± 10.78, respectively, suggesting that the overall knowledge and perception of studied participants are ‘good’. Furthermore, participants' knowledge of ketogenic diet is associated with dietician support P = 0.021, education P = 0.001 and BMI P = 0.001. Moreover, participants' perception of ketogenic diet is associated with age P = 0.001, dietician support P = 0.009, region P = 0.001 and education P = 0.032. Suggesting that dietician support and education are the most common factors associated with participants' knowledge and perception of ketogenic diet. Nutrition knowledge and the perception regards KD were good among Arab adults. Receiving support dietitian, having required educational level and knowledge may promote healthy weight management. • This is the first study looks for the knowledge and the perceptions regarding KD among Arab adults. • Ketogenic diet is an effective diet for weight lose if followed under dietitian support. • BMI, age and region were among effective factors associated with knowledge and perception of participants. • Participants have a good overall knowledge and perception necessary to follow ketogenic diet.