Prevalence of Dietary Supplement use: Association of Sociodemographic and Lifestyle factors, Awareness and Attitude among Female college students in Saudi Arabia

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ObjectiveThe economic boom in Saudi Arabia has prompted the use of dietary supplements in the last two decades. Our aim is to investigate the prevalence of dietary supplement use and its association with sociodemographic/ lifestyle characteristics, common attitude and behavior among Saudi female students.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, 534 female participants (19‐>26 years of age) completed a self‐administered questionnaire on their sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, perceived health status, dietary supplement use, general awareness, attitude and behavior.ResultsAmong all participants, the prevalence of dietary supplement use was 76.6% (n=409) with high level of education (p=0.002) and more physical activity (p=0.008) exhibiting a significant direct association with users as compared to non‐users. The frequency showed that beta carotene (54.2%), chamomile (54.2%), and glucosamine (53.8%) were the most preferred diet supplement in the category “when needed”. Cod liver oil (71.3%), omega 3 (68.3%), multi‐vitamins (61.5%), ginseng (60%), and vitamin A (60%), were mostly used in the category (from time to time). Multivitamins(34.4%) was the preferred choice when it comes to daily use, while, iron (15.9%) and potassium (12%) were used in the diseased category. The main reasons for supplement use were to “maintain healthy hair” and “injury and illness” (both 26.2%). Participants followed a medical prescription (79.3%) with social media as the best source (38%) of information. About (38.4%) were not aware and some disagree (30.3%) about any difference while taking supplements with or without consulting a medical professional. About (36.7%) of students lack information about side effects while, 35.0% were unaware about any health effect of dietary supplements.ConclusionsThe prevalence of dietary supplement use was high in Saudi female students and was significantly associated with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Association between Use of Dietary Supplements, Age, Marital status, Family Income, BMI, Academic Track, Educational Level and Health Problems, physical activity. Use Dietary Supplements Don't Use Dietary Supplements P‐values N % N % Age (in Years) 0.234 19–22 206 73.6% 74 26.4% 22–24 97 77.6% 28 22.4% 24–26 41 78.8% 11 21.2% Higher than 26 65 84.4% 12 15.6% Family Income (in Saudi Riyals) 0.135 less than 5000 40 70.2% 17 29.8% 5000–10000 131 82.4% 28 17.6% 10000–16000 114 77.0% 34 23.0% higher than 16000 124 72.9% 46 27.1% Marital Status 0.171 Married 110 80.9% 26 19.1% Single 299 75.1% 99 24.9% BMI Status 0.227 Normal 244 75.1% 81 24.9% Overweight 113 76.4% 35 23.6% Obese 52 85.2% 9 14.8% The Academic Track 0.164 Scientific and Medical Colleges 251 78.7% 68 21.3% Colleges humanity 158 73.5% 57 26.5% Education Level 0.002 3rd – 5th Level 167 70.8% 69 29.2% 6th – 8th Level 156 77.6% 45 22.4% > 8th Level 86 88.7% 11 11.3% Health Problems 0.095 Vitamin D deficiency 76 90.5% 8 9.5% Other Disease 76 81.7% 17 18.3% Physical Activity 0.008 Yes 314 79.5% 81 20.5% No 95 68.3% 44 31.7% Note: Data presented as frequencies and percentages.