Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Prevalence of Dietary Supplement Use Among Medical Students at the National University.

Authors

  • Anil Kumar
  • Albayan Khalil Al Kharusi
  • Eithar Isshaq Al Nuumani
  • Alaa Salim Al Khaifi
  • Alzahraa Rashid Al-Rubaiai
  • Maryam Abdallah Al-Rawahi

Keywords:

Dietary supplements, university students, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), Vitamins, health education

Abstract

Background: The use of dietary supplements (DS) among university students is increasing globally, yet knowledge and safe usage remain limited. Students often rely on unverified information, which may pose health risks. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of DS use among undergraduates at the National University of Science and Technology (NU), and evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), including factors influencing consumption.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2025. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 152 students from three colleges, capturing demographics, DS use, and KAP. Data were analysed using SPSS.

Results: DS use was reported by 27.6% of students, with iron (11.2%), multivitamins (9.2%), and vitamins C and D (5.9% each) most common. While 82.2% correctly defined DS, over 60% relied on peers or the internet for information. Although 89.5% supported professional guidance, only 17.1% were tested before use, and just 15.8% adhered to prescriptions. College affiliation was significantly associated with reported side effects (p = 0.012).


Conclusion: While students possess basic knowledge of DS, gaps in safe practices and evidence-based guidance remain. Structured education and professional supervision are recommended, particularly for future healthcare professionals.

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References

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Published

2025-11-20

How to Cite

1.
Kumar A, Al Kharusi AK, Al Nuumani EI, Al Khaifi AS, Al-Rubaiai AR, Al-Rawahi MA. Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Prevalence of Dietary Supplement Use Among Medical Students at the National University. J Neonatal Surg [Internet]. 2025 Nov. 20 [cited 2026 Apr. 14];14(32S):9666-75. Available from: https://jneonatalsurg.com/index.php/jns/article/view/9586

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 32S (2025): Journal of Neonatal Surgery

Section

Original Article

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