Predictors Of Dietary Supplement Use Research Articles

Predictors of Dietary Supplement Use Among Children Attending Care and Educational Institutions in Krakow, Poland.

Socioeconomic status and parental lifestyle influence dietary behaviors, including the administration of oral dietary supplements in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of selected health, dietary, and sociodemographic factors on the use of dietary supplements by children. In this cross-sectional observational study, a diagnostic survey based on the computer-assisted web interview method was conducted in November 2022 among 2826 parents whose children attend public educational institutions in Krakow, Poland. The study group included data on 497 nursery children (17.6%), 599 kindergarten children (21.2%), 1594 primary school children (56.4%), and 136 secondary school children (4.8%). Among all respondents, 72.2% were taking oral nutritional supplements, with vitamin D supplementation being particularly popular in all groups. Logistic regression analysis identified predictors of supplement use, including special diet (p < 0.001), use of medication for chronic disease (p = 0.012), regularity of main meals (p = 0.022), and attending a sports school (p = 0.021). A decrease in supplement use was observed with the increasing level of education of children (p < 0.001). These results highlight the importance of various health, dietary, and sociodemographic factors in influencing decisions regarding dietary supplementation in children. Further assessment of dietary supplement usage should be conducted alongside evaluations of nutrient intake from the children's diet.

Patterns of Dietary Supplement Use among GBT2Q Men and Non-Binary Individuals in Canada.

There is a lack of research regarding dietary supplement (DS) use among Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Two-Spirit, Queer (GBT2Q) men and non-binary individuals, despite the higher prevalence of body image issues and societal pressure within this community. This study aimed to investigate patterns and predictors of DS use in this population, including types of DS used, sources of information, and reasons for DS use. A validated and anonymous online questionnaire was completed by 204 participants (52.5% men, 43.1% gay, mean age 29.34 + 6.77 years) across Canada, who were consuming DS at the time of the study. Analyses included descriptive statistics to characterize the sample based on gender, sexuality, age, ethnicity, and other demographic attributes, using Pearson's chi-square tests and multi-way cross-tabulation analyses. Additionally, regression analyses, including binary and logistic regressions, were employed to identify predictors of DS use. Data analysis concluded that vitamins/minerals (92.2%), proteins (84.3%) and carbohydrates (75.5%) were the most consumed types of supplements. Identifying as certain genders and sexualities was significantly associated with supplement preferences, such that men reported higher use of amino acids (p = 0.033) and non-vitamins/mineral antioxidants compared to individuals identifying as other genders (p = 0.006). Moreover, bisexual participants consumed amino acids (p = 0.043) and carbohydrates (p = 0.026) more frequently when compared to non-bisexual participants. The most listed reason for DS use was to improve immunity (60.3%), with health care professionals being listed as the source of information by most participants (51.0%). Findings from this study can serve as a foundation for further research in this area and can guide the formulation and implementation of adequate policies targeting this underserved population.

Dietary Supplements Use among Serbian Undergraduate Students of Different Academic Fields.

The rising popularity of dietary supplements as a part of self-care practice increases interest in monitoring their usage in the general and specific population groups. This study investigated the prevalence and patterns of dietary supplement use among Belgrade University undergraduate students and its variations across different academic study fields. Of the 914 online survey students, 55.7% used dietary supplements during the past year. Female gender, eating behavior, and academic field were significant predictors of dietary supplement use. For all students, the most commonly used dietary supplements were vitamins and minerals, alone or in combination. Magnesium, vitamin C, and B vitamins were the most frequently supplemented micronutrients. The reasons for using, place of purchase, and source of information regarding dietary supplements significantly varied among students of different fields of study. Adverse effects related to dietary supplement use, including gastrointestinal symptoms, skin flushing, dizziness, and heart palpitation, were reported in 4.5% of students. Insufficient knowledge about these products was self-reported by 16.5% of users, more common among non-medical students. Thus, public health interventions are needed to improve students’ knowledge regarding rational and safe dietary supplement use.

Dietary Supplement Use in Relation to Socio-Demographic and Lifestyle Factors, including Adherence to Mediterranean-Style Diet in University Students.

The study aimed to examine socio-demographic and lifestyle determinants, including diet quality, of dietary supplement (DS) use among 2545 students who attended public universities in Warsaw. The data was collected using a self-administered health and lifestyle questionnaire and a 5-day dietary record method. Diet quality was assessed using a Mediterranean Diet Score. To determine the covariates of DS use, multivariate-adjusted logistic regression models with an estimation of odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used. The results showed that 41% of participants were DS users. The following predictors of DS use were identified: gender (male vs. female; OR:0.62, 95% CI:0.50–0.79), physical activity (high vs. low; OR:1.79, 95% CI:1.45–2.20), BMI (≥25 vs. 18.5–24.9 kg/m2; OR:0.77, 95% CI:0.61–0.98), cigarette smoking (yes vs. no; OR:0.67, 95% CI:0.52–0.86), and presence of chronic diseases (yes vs. no; OR:2.37, 95% CI:1.89–2.98). Moreover, higher nutritional knowledge, special diet usage, eating more meals/day, and fortified food consumption were determinants of DS use. Adherence to the Mediterranean-style diet was positively associated with DS use, a 1-score increment was associated with a 10% (p-trend = 0.011) higher probability of DS usage. Given that the use of vitamins and/or minerals is common among university students and their users are characterized by eating a higher quality diet, investigating the contribution of DS in overall dietary nutrient intake warrants further study.

Epidemiological Aspects of Dietary Supplement use among Saudi Medical Students: A Cross-sectional Study

Background:Dietary supplement use received wide attention and interest throughout the world, particularly in Gulf countries, because of advanced economic and industrial growth.Objective:The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of dietary supplement use among medical students at Jouf University, Saudi Arabia.Methods:For this cross-sectional study, an anonymous self-administered structured questionnaire was distributed among medical students at Jouf University, Saudi Arabia. Out of the 381 medical students, 366 answered the questionnaire with a response rate of 96%. Analysis of data was done using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) program, version 24. Statistical significance was considered at P values &lt;0.05.Results:Regarding the prevalence of dietary supplement use, 36.3% (n=133) and 29.5% (n=108) of the respondents were previous and current users of dietary supplements, respectively. Multivitamins and vitamin D were the most prevalent dietary supplements used by the participants. The students reported that the internet was the main source of knowledge concerning dietary supplements. The significant predictors of dietary supplement use in the logistic regression analysis were: age &gt;21 years (odds ratio (OR): 3.26; confidence interval (CI): 1.67-10.53), females sex (odds ratio (OR): 2.23; confidence interval (CI): 2.34-6.84), and being in the third academic year or more (odds ratio (OR): 2.58; confidence interval (CI): 1.82-5.37). The most reported reasons for utilizing dietary supplements were nutritional supplementation and health promotion. Nearly three-quarters of the students agreed that dietary supplementation is good for health and recommended others to use them after doctor recommendation.Conclusion:Dietary supplement use was remarkably high among medical students at Jouf University, Saudi Arabia. Consumption of dietary supplements increased significantly among older students, females, and those in the third academic year or more. This study recommends other studies involving students from non-health domain colleges to detect if there is a difference in the prevalence of dietary supplement use within this population.

The use of dietary supplements by patients in the pre-operative period in the Czech Republic.

Background The prevalence of dietary supplement use in the pre-operative period ranges from 4.8 to 80%. According to the Food and Drug Administration, some dietary supplements may show side effects before, during and after surgery. Objective The main aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of dietary supplement use in patients before surgery at University Hospital Hradec Kralove and the predictors of use. The secondary aim was to determine patient awareness regarding the correct use of and possible risks associated with dietary supplements. Setting University Hospital Hradec Kralove. Methods Between March 2017 and June 2018, a cross-sectional study focused on patients in the pre-operative period in different departments at University Hospital Hradec Kralove was conducted. The questionnaires were anonymous and entirely voluntary. The obtained data were evaluated using descriptive statistics and a regression model in Microsoft Excel 2016 and IBM SPSS version 24. Main outcome measure The prevalence and predictors of dietary supplement use in patients before surgery. Results 256 questionnaires were returned (a response rate of 77.41%). 111 dietary supplements were used by a total of 42% of the respondents in the 30-day period prior to surgery. Patients with a higher probability of dietary supplement use included patients with urogenital (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.2, 12.1), otorhinolaryngological (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.1, 13.8) and musculoskeletal health problems (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.1, 13.8). The proportion of dietary supplement users increased with the number of drugs taken concomitantly, with the probability of use being more than three times higher compared with non-dietary supplement users (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.2, 9.4). A total of 45.8% of the respondents thought there was no risk associated with their current use of dietary supplements and drugs. Conclusions There is a high prevalence of dietary supplement use in hospitalized patients, with independent predictors being comorbidity and polypharmacy. No official recommendations or guidelines exist for physicians and anaesthesiologists in the Czech Republic which focus on patients that use dietary supplements in the pre-operative period. National guidelines focusing on dietary supplement use in the pre-operative period would be appropriate.

The Prevalence and Awareness Concerning Dietary Supplement Use among Saudi Adolescents.

Current dietary supplement (DS) use among Saudi school students is not well described. In this study, we aim to investigate the prevalence and predictors of DS use among adolescents. This cross-sectional study collected data via self-administered questionnaire from 1221 students (12 to 18 years). The overall prevalence of DS use was 26.2%, significantly higher in females than males (33% vs. 17.9%, p < 0.001). High proportion of female DS users demonstrated normal BMI than males (84% vs. 56.5%, p < 0.001). High percentage of male DS users were engaged in vigorous and/or high physical activity (PA) levels than female DS users (58.2% vs. 43%, p = 0.022; and 57.1% vs. 20.7%, p < 0.001, respectively). The main reasons for DS use among females were vitamin deficiency (63.3%), hair condition (37.6%) and nail health (23.5%) while in males, the main reasons were vitamin deficiency (58.4%) and body building (34.4%). The predictors of DS use in Saudi adolescents included being female, having high family income and being physically active. In conclusion, the overall prevalence and preference of DS use, though low among Saudi adolescents, was driven mostly by gender, physical activity levels and socioeconomic factors like family income. DS use guidelines and counselling among Saudi adolescents are warranted to improve public health.

Dietary Supplement Use in Gastrointestinal Symptom Management and Effect on Hopelessness Levels in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

This study was conducted to determine the dietary supplement (DS) use in gastrointestinal symptom management, and its effect on hopelessness levels in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The universe of this cross-sectional study consisted of 132 patients presenting at the polyclinic, while the sample consisted of 127 patients who meet the inclusion criteria to study. Data were collected using a patient identification form including sociodemographic characteristics and DS use, the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, and the Beck Hopelessness Scale. The frequency of DS use in the last year among patients with IBS was 73.2%. Younger, women, those with graduate education, and those with better economic status were found to prefer more DS (P < .0001). Nausea and decreased passage of stools were predictors of DS use with a rate of 40.9% (R = 0.409, P < .0001). The patients were found to use mint oil (35.6%), mint juice (24.6%), lemon (20.5%) for nausea, and apricots (48.2%) and dietary fibers (16.9%) for decreased passage of stools. Patients who did not use DSs were found to be more hopeless (P < .03). It was found that 73.2% of patients with IBS used DSs. Patients who did not use DSs were found to be more hopeless. DSs with proven effectiveness can be integrated into medical treatments.

The Prevalence and Predictors of Dietary Supplement Use in the Australian Population.

Current dietary supplement use in Australia is not well described. We investigated the prevalence and predictors of supplement use in the Australian population (n = 19,257) using data from the 2014–2015 National Health Survey. We reported the prevalence of supplement use by sex and age group and investigated the independent predictors of supplement use in adults, adolescents, and children using multiple logistic regression models. A total of 43.2% of adults (34.9% of males, 50.3% of females), 20.1% of adolescents (19.7% of males, 20.6% of females), and 23.5% of children (24.4% of males, 22.5% of females) used at least one dietary supplement in the previous two weeks. The most commonly used supplements were multivitamins and/or multiminerals and fish oil preparations. In adults, independent predictors of supplement use included being female, increasing age, being born outside Australia and other main English-speaking countries, having a higher education level, having a healthy BMI compared to those who were obese, being physically active, and being a non-smoker. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed investigation of dietary supplement use in a nationally-representative sample of the Australian population. Future studies investigating the contribution of supplements to overall dietary intakes of vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids are warranted.

Why do Dutch people use dietary supplements? Exploring the role of socio-cognitive and psychosocial determinants

BackgroundIn the Netherlands, the prevalence of dietary supplement use has doubled (from 17 to 40 per cent) since the 1980s. Yet, limited data is available on which socio-cognitive factors are associated with dietary supplement use. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to explain dietary supplement use with determinants deriving from the Integrated Change Model (ICM) and from formative research. Method/designSocio-cognitive and psychosocial factors were measured among users and non-users of dietary supplements in a longitudinal survey study, with measurements at baseline (N = 1448) and at one-month follow-up (N = 1161). Negative binomial regression analysis was applied to de data. ResultsIntention emerged as the main predictor of dietary supplement use (OR = 1.99). Further predictors of dietary supplement use with smaller effect-sizes were: health regulatory focus (promotion, OR = 1.46), social modelling (OR = 1.44), attitude (pros, OR = 1.37), attitude (cons, OR = 0.87), health locus of control (OR = 0.77), and risk perception (chance of getting ill, OR = 1.22). ConclusionsIndividuals tend to use dietary supplements if they are promotion oriented, notice dietary supplement users in their social environment, estimate their chances of getting ill higher, and have positive attitudes towards dietary supplements. In contrast, non-users believe that external factors affect their health, and hold negative attitudes towards dietary supplements. Practical implicationsMapping out individuals' socio-cognitive profile may contribute to the development of online health communication. Based on socio-cognitive and demographical factors, personalised advice can be given about dietary supplement use.

Predictors of Dietary Supplement Use by U.S. Coast Guard Personnel.

BackgroundPersonnel in Armed Forces entities such as the US Coast Guard (USCG) engage in strenuous tasks requiring high levels of physiological and psychological fitness. Previous reports have found increased prevalence of dietary supplement (DS) use by military personnel to meet the demands of their occupation.ObjectiveThis study assessed DS prevalence and patterns of use in USCG personnel and compared these findings to reports from other Armed Forces personnel.DesignUse of DS by USCG personnel (n = 1059) was assessed by survey at USCG installations. Data were weighted by age, sex, and rank to be representative of total USCG demographics.ResultsSeventy percent of USCG personnel reported using a DS at least 1 time/wk. Thirty-three percent used 1–2 DS ≤ 1 time/wk, 18% 3–4 DS ≥ 1 time/wk, and almost 19% ≥ 5 DS ≥ 1 time/wk. Average expenditure on DSs by UCSG personnel was $40/mo. More than 47% of USCG personnel used a multivitamin and mineral, 33% consumed protein supplements, 22% used individual vitamins and minerals, 23% reported taking combination products, and 9% consumed herbal supplements. Increased use of DS use was associated with high intensity operational occupations, participating in high volumes of aerobic exercise and strength training. Use of DS was not associated with age, education or body mass index.ConclusionOccupation is an important determinate of DS use. Prevalence of DS use by USCG personnel is greater than reported for other Armed Forces personnel and reflects high levels of participation in aerobic and strength training activities.

Dietary supplement use among participants of a databank and biorepository at a comprehensive cancer centre.

We assessed the prevalence, patterns and predictors of dietary supplement use among participants of the databank and biorepository (DBBR) at a comprehensive cancer centre in western New York. Archived epidemiological questionnaire data were obtained from the DBBR at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression explored the prevalence, patterns and predictors of lifetime use of four common supplements (multivitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E and calcium) and use of multivitamins, sixteen single vitamins/minerals and eighteen herbal/specialty supplements within the previous 10 years. Western New York, USA. DBBR participants (n 8096) enrolled between December 2003 and July 2012 were included in these analyses: 66.9 % (n 5418) with cancer, 65.6 % (n 5309) women, mean age for patients v. cancer-free controls 59.9 (SD 12.6) years and 50.7 (SD 15.4) years, respectively. Overall, 54.4 % of DBBR participants reported lifetime use of one or more supplements and 63.1 % reported use of one or more supplements within the previous 10 years (excluding multivitamins). Multivitamin use was high in this sample (lifetime: 64.1 %; 10 years: 71.3 %; current: 51.8 %). Supplementation was higher among cancer-free controls than cancer patients. Vitamin C, calcium and fish oil were the most common single vitamin, mineral and specialty product, respectively. A consistently high and increasing proportion of dietary supplement use over time remains clear. Supplementation is prevalent among cancer patients and may even be higher than predicted in cancer-free individuals. Further studies should assess the safety and efficacy of specific supplements in reducing disease risk.

Predictors of dietary supplement use among female health workers in Tehran.

BackgroundDespite the lack of evidence on the necessity of dietary supplements to meet nutrients requirements, the majority of people use them all over the world. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with supplement use in women who work in health centers in the city of Tehran.MethodsFive hundred sixty three female health workers participated in a cross-sectional study carried out in 2010 in health centers of Tehran. Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured and body mass index was calculated. Data on demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary supplement use were collected by interviewing. The analysis was conducted using univariate and multivariate logistic regression (MLR) in SPSS version 16.ResultsThe prevalence of dietary supplement use was 53.8%. In univariate logistic regression model, age, education, husband’s education, duration of employment, and tendency for changing weight at the time of the study were statistically significant predictors (P < 0.05). After MLR analysis, education (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05-1.17) and duration of employment (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02-1.06) remained significant in the model. Women with higher education and longer duration of employment had more tendency to use nutrient supplements.ConclusionOur findings showed that education and duration of employment were the most important predictors for taking dietary supplements in this population.

Factors Related to the Use of Dietary Supplements by Cancer Survivors

Estimates of the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among cancer survivors vary widely. Dietary supplements are an important CAM therapy to examine because of their potential to interact with conventional cancer therapies. We estimated the prevalence of dietary supplement use in a population-based sample of cancer survivors of the 10 most common cancers and examined potential correlates of use. This cross-sectional analysis included participants from the American Cancer Society's longitudinal Study of Cancer Survivors-I recruited in Connecticut who completed self-administered baseline and supplemental questionnaires. Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, we examined demographic, clinical, and psychosocial predictors of dietary supplement use after cancer diagnosis. Of the 827 cancer survivors, 573 (69.3%) reported using dietary supplements after their cancer diagnosis. Female gender [odds ratio (OR) = 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.25-2.36] and higher-education levels (OR = 5.44, 95% CI = 2.98-9.93) were significantly associated with supplement use. Common reasons for using dietary supplements included "something they could do to help themselves" (56.2%) and "to boost their immune system" (51.1%). Most survivors (82.4%) informed their physician of their supplement use. Patients obtained information from a variety of sources including physicians, friends or family, and magazines or books. Use of dietary supplements after cancer diagnosis was quite common among this population-based sample of cancer survivors. Although gender and education were associated with use, it is important that clinicians discuss supplement use with all cancer survivors.

Factors associated with use of dietary supplements in the US Army

A survey of Dietary Supplement (DS) intake, demographic and lifestyle factors, exercise, and DS knowledge was conducted with 990 randomly selected Soldiers at 11 Army bases. Data were weighted to be representative of the active‐duty Army based on age, gender and rank. Fifty‐three percent of Soldiers consumed at least 1 DS/wk and 23% of users consumed 5 or more. The most popular DS were multivitamins (70%), protein and amino acids (35%) and individual vitamins and minerals (34%). Reasons stated for DS use were to: improve health (64%), give more energy (31%), improve muscle strength (25%), and enhance performance (17%). Regression modeling indicated that being older, higher educational attainment, having a higher BMI, and participation in strength training were predictors of DS use (p&lt;0.05). Factors associated with use of 5 or more DS a week included longer duration of aerobic exercise and lower educational attainment (p &lt; 0.01). Intake of protein and amino acid DS was associated with age 30‐39 yrs (p &lt; 0.01), male sex (p &lt; 0.05), longer duration of aerobic exercise (p &lt; 0.01) and strength training (p &lt; 0.01). Use of herbal supplements was associated with longer aerobic training (p &lt; 0.01) and higher BMI (p &lt; 0.01). Overall, only 41% of DS users reported they were extremely or very confident their DS worked as claimed, and 55% were extremely or very confident their DS were safe. Funded by US Army Medical Research &amp; Materiel Command.

Predictors of Dietary Supplement Use among Adolescent Athletes

This study sought to predict the use of dietary supplements marketed to enhance athletic performance among 1,737 adolescent athletes. An anonymous, paper-and-pencil, self-report survey was administered to the participants. Grade level, participation in multiple sports, and scales representing attitudes, subjective norms, and intention were all significant predictors of current dietary supplement use. The results of this study allow for the development of more appropriate prevention and intervention strategies that can target specific groups of adolescent athletes. We recommend that attitudes of adolescent athletes be addressed in interventions and that salient others be included in program planning.

Why do women use dietary supplements? The use of the theory of planned behaviour to explore beliefs about their use

Dietary supplements use is increasing, despite the lack of evidence to suggest they are needed to meet dietary deficiency in the majority of people. Reasons for consuming dietary supplements are likely to be complex, combining social, psychological, knowledge and economic factors. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) is a widely used model of social cognition, which has recently been applied to the nutrition field. It was used in a questionnaire, along with a number of additional measures, to explore dietary supplement use in a cohort of women. Data from 303 questionnaires were included in the analysis. The results showed that intentions were the major predictor of dietary supplement use. Health value and susceptibility to illness were also significant predictors of dietary supplement use (total of 82.9% of respondents correctly classified as users or non-users). Intentions themselves were most strongly predicted by attitude, with 70% of variance explained by attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. Other significant predictors of intentions were control beliefs, normative beliefs and health value. Beliefs underlying dietary supplement use revealed differences between supplement users and non-users in relation to the notion that taking dietary supplements acts as an insurance against possible ill-health, with supplement users believing more strongly than non-users that taking dietary supplements would stop them getting ill and help them to be healthy. Both users and non-users of supplements also perceived the media, in the form of books and magazines, to be a powerful influence on a person’s decision to use supplements. The findings of this study highlight the potential of the TPB in exploring supplement-taking behaviour, while throwing light on the factors influencing an individual’s motivations to use dietary supplements.