Knowledge, awareness, and socio-demographic assessment of probiotics, obesity and diabetes

Abstract

Probiotics are living organisms that offer the host health advantages when taken in sufficient amounts. The aim of the study was to evaluate pediatricians' probiotic knowledge and practice patterns across different geographical areas. The purpose of this study is to examine 350 students from the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Rajshahi in Bangladesh to see what information, attitudes, and perceptions they have regarding probiotics. 350 people gladly answered the questionnaire, even though it was distributed among 400 participants. The questionnaire that was self-administered was used to gather data. The data were computed using simple tools. 53.2% of the participants in this case were female. Even though all of the participants were from the biology department, 31.5% of them had never heard of probiotics. The majority of respondents (65%) identified yogurt as the most important source of probiotics. Only 30% of participants were aware that gut microbiota and diabetes are related, despite 46.8% of participants having a family history of the disease. A major worldwide concern is emerging from antibiotic resistance. Approximately 75% of participants used antibiotics without a doctor's prescription, and 63.7% were unaware that medications may damage the gut microbiota. The most encouraging finding of the study was that 90.3% of participants would take probiotics as a medicine if their doctor suggested it. Many people still have disagreements concerning probiotics, and the subject is not well understood. The participants' knowledge of probiotics also varies greatly. To be able to reach the greatest number of people and encourage the development of a healthy generation, this gap needs to be addressed on various levels.