Prevalence of dietary supplement use and knowledge, attitudes, practice (KAP) and associated factors in student population: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Dietary supplements (DSs) intake has been increasing worldwide despite no consensus evidence for the efficacy and safety of disease prevention, control, or treatment in nutrient-replete populations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DSs use, knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) and associated factors among university students in Jordan. A national cross-sectional study was carried over across universities in Jordan. Participants completed a valid and reliable online questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha = 0.802 and correlation coefficients between 0.72 and 0.26). Univariate analyses were used to determine the relationship between variables. Multivariable regression was carried out to identify significant factors contributing DSs usage. A total of 448 university students completed the study (73.7% females). More than half of the students used DSs (60.9%), with single-nutrient ingredient supplements being the most commonly used type. The primary motivators were maintaining health and most students reported no side effects associated with consumption. The results revealed poor knowledge, a negative attitude towards DSs usage among all participants, even non-users, and high-risk practices among the DSs users. Normal weight and overweight individuals were more likely to use DSs (OR:2.88, 95%CI:1.61–5.16, OR:1.95, 95%CI:1.01–3.79, respectively). Low and medium-family income categories were more likely to use DSs than those in the high-income category (OR: 0.04, 95%CI: 0.02–0.07, OR: 0.06, 95CI:0.03–0.11, respectively). Undergraduate students were more likely to use DSs than postgraduate students (OR:5.56, 95%CI:3.19–9.69). In this study, a high prevalence of DSs use was highlighted. The results suggest that nutrition education is required to improve awareness of DSs and to promote safe practices.