scholarly journals Use of dietary supplements in Denmark is associated with health and former smoking

2002 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 463-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vibeke K Knudsen ◽  
Lone B Rasmussen ◽  
Jóhanna Haraldsdóttir ◽  
Lars Ovesen ◽  
Inge Bülow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Iodine Intake ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Supplement Use

AbstractObjectives:To describe the use of dietary supplements in a group of Danish adults and to investigate the differences between users and non-users with respect to age, gender, health and lifestyle factors.Design:Cross-sectional study in two Danish cities.Setting:The Danish Investigation on Iodine Intake and Thyroid Diseases, 1997–1998.Subjects:Participants were 3707 women (selected age groups between 18 and 65 years) and 942 men (60–65 years). Participation rate was 50%. Supplement data were collected in a personal interview. Data on education, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, use of medication and self-perceived health were derived from a self-administered questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression was used for the statistical analysis.Results:Participants were asked about all kinds of supplements, ranging from products containing vitamins and minerals, to fish oils and products of herbal origin. On average 59% reported use of some kind of dietary supplement. Most common were combined multivitamin/mineral products (48%) followed by single vitamin C products (10%). Twelve per cent used three or more different supplements. Supplement use was strongly associated with age and gender, being highest among elderly women (78%). Ex-smokers were more likely to use supplements than subjects who had never smoked (odds ratio (OR) 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–1.76). Supplement use was more likely among subjects who had many days of illness (OR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.12–1.66) and among users of medication (OR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.04–1.42). Subjects who perceived their health as poor were more likely to use supplements other than just a multivitamin/mineral tablet (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.31–3.77).Conclusions:Use of dietary supplements was related to age, gender and smoking, but also to poor self-perceived health status and absence from work. This indicates that a group of people use supplements as a form of self-medication.

scholarly journals Socioeconomic determinants of unmet need for outpatient healthcare services in Iran: a national cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sajad Vahedi ◽  
Amin Torabipour ◽  
Amirhossein Takian ◽  
Saeed Mohammadpur ◽  
Alireza Olyaeemanesh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Outpatient Services ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Organizational Policies ◽  
Utilization Of Healthcare

Abstract Background Unmet need is a critical indicator of access to healthcare services. Despite concrete evidence about unmet need in Iran’s health system, no recent evidence of this negative outcome is available. This study aimed to measure the subjective unmet need (SUN), the factors associated with it and various reasons behind it in Iran. Methods We used the data of 13,005 respondents over the age of 15 from the Iranian Utilization of Healthcare Services Survey in 2016. SUN was defined as citizens whose needs were not sought through formal healthcare services, while they did not show a history of self-medication. The reasons for SUN were categorized into availability, accessibility, responsibility and acceptability of the health system. The multivariable logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors of SUN and associated major reasons. Results About 17% of the respondents (N = 2217) had unmet need for outpatient services. Nearly 40% of the respondents chose only accessibility, 4% selected only availability, 78% chose only responsibility, and 13% selected only acceptability as the main reasons for their unmet need. Higher outpatient needs was the only factor that significantly increased SUN, responsibility-related SUN and acceptability-related SUN. Low education was associated with higher SUN and responsibility-related SUN, while it could also reduce acceptability-related SUN. While SUN and responsibility-related SUN were prevalent among lower economic quintiles, having a complementary insurance was associated with decreased SUN and responsibility-related SUN. The people with basic insurance had lower chances to face with responsibility-related SUN, while employed individuals were at risk to experience SUN. Although the middle-aged group had higher odds to experience SUN, the responsibility-related SUN were prevalent among elderly, while higher age groups had significant chance to be exposed to acceptability-related SUN. Conclusion It seems that Iran is still suffering from unmet need for outpatient services, most of which emerges from its health system performance. The majority of the unmet health needs could be addressed through improving financial as well as organizational policies. Special attention is needed to address the unmet need among individuals with poor health status.

Patient Use of Dietary Supplements, Home Monitoring, or Genetic Testing for Nonneovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

2021 ◽  
pp. 247412642198922
Author(s):  
Brittany C. Tsou ◽  
T.Y. Alvin Liu ◽  
Jun Kong ◽  
Susan B. Bressler ◽  
J. Fernando Arevalo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Testing ◽  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Home Monitoring ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Disease Study

Purpose: This work evaluated the use and type of dietary supplements and home monitoring for nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), as well as the prevalence of genetic testing among patients with AMD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 129 participants older than 50 years who completed self-administered questionnaires regarding usage and type of dietary supplements and home monitoring, as well as the participants’ use of genetic testing for AMD. Results: Of 91 participants with AMD, 83 (91.2%) took vitamins, including 55 (60.4%) who used an Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) or AREDS2 formulation. Of 38 without AMD, 31 (81.6%) took vitamins (difference from participants with AMD = 9.6% [95% CI, 0%-23.2%]), including 2 on an AREDS formulation. Among 82 participants with AMD who were AREDS candidates (intermediate or advanced AMD in 1 or both eyes), 51 (62.2%; 95% CI, 51.7%-72.7%) took an AREDS or AREDS2 formulation, and 31 (37.8%) did not (5 were unsure). Additionally, 50 (61.0%; 95% CI, 50.4%-71.6%) AREDS candidates did some type of home monitoring. Only 1 (1.2%; 95% CI, 0%-3.6%) underwent genetic testing for AMD. Among 9 with AMD who were not AREDS candidates, 4 (44.4%) used an AREDS formulation, 4 (44.4%) did not, and 1 (11.1%) was unsure; only 1 (11.1%) of these 9 performed home monitoring. Conclusions: Despite similar results from past surveys and AREDS2 data supporting supplement use in 2013 and home monitoring in 2014, these findings suggest about one-third of AREDS candidates do not do so, providing further support for improving education regarding appropriate supplement and home monitoring usage. Genetic testing for AMD also appears infrequent.

scholarly journals Knowledge and Patterns of Dietary Supplement Use among Students Attending King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 58 ◽  
pp. 004695802110208
Author(s):  
Abdulraof Alqrache ◽  
Mostafa Mostafa ◽  
Omar Ghabrah ◽  
Ziyad Ghabrah ◽  
Nezar Kamal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Herbal Products ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
King Abdulaziz University ◽  
Dietary Supplement Use ◽  
Harmful Effects ◽  
Selection Of

Oral dietary supplements (DSs) include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, energy drinks, and herbal products. The use of DSs is increasing and their manufacturers promote their benefits. Studies have validated some of these benefits, but have also indicated that some DSs can have adverse effects, especially if used without the appropriate supervision. Little information on DS use among Saudis is available. This study assessed the use of dietary supplements among male and female university students with the goal of educating the community about DSs and the dangers associated with their misuse. Online and paper validated questionnaires were administered to King Abdulaziz University (KAU) students between September 2019 and January 2020. The responses were collected and analyzed statistically. Of the 954 KAU students who completed the survey, one-third used DSs (42.9% women vs 25.7% men). Of these, 51.7% believed that DSs are essential for health, 41.7% classified them as both food and drugs, 67.2% were aware that DSs could not replace a healthy diet, and 25.8% were aware of their potentially harmful effects. Multivitamins and minerals were the most used DSs. DS awareness among KAU students is limited. Additional health education is necessary to assist students in their selection of the most suitable DSs.

scholarly journals Dietary Supplement Use Among Chinese Primary School Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Hunan Province

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanmei Liu ◽  
Shiya Zhang ◽  
Hanshuang Zou ◽  
Yuanlin Pan ◽  
Qiping Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Dietary Supplement ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hunan Province ◽  
Primary School Students ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Dietary Supplement Use

Dietary supplement use is increasing globally, especially among children. However, few studies have been conducted to examine dietary supplement use among Chinese children. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of dietary supplement use and the associated factors in primary school students. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four primary schools in Hunan province, China. A total of 706 Chinese parents/caregivers of school children aged 6–12 years old were enrolled. Self-administrated questionnaires were used to collect information about the children’s dietary supplement use, and their socio-demographic characteristics. The prevalence of dietary supplement use in primary school students was 20.4%. Calcium (16.7%), vitamin C (9.2%), and vitamin D (8.5%) were the most commonly used types of dietary supplement. The main reasons for parents/caregivers to purchase dietary supplements for their children were immunity improvement (43.6%), and for growth promotion (36.5%). Some caregivers (26.4%) purchased dietary supplements online, including from dubious or unknown sellers. However, 37.5% of caregivers did not receive formal guidance on supplementation even if they purchased their supplements through formal channels. Parents/caregivers were unclear about the appropriate choices for children’s dietary supplement use. Guidelines and counseling regarding dietary supplements for children may be helpful in public health work.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Dietary Supplements Use among Gymnasium Users

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman H. Jawadi ◽  
Abdulmalik M. Addar ◽  
Abdulaziz S. Alazzam ◽  
Fahad O. Alrabieah ◽  
Abdullah S. Al Alsheikh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cardiovascular Exercise ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Background.Several studies showed that regular gymnasium users use various dietary supplements without comprehension of their potential risks.Objective.To determine the prevalence and dietary supplement intake and assess the awareness of supplement use among regular gymnasium users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Methods.A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among regular gymnasium users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between April 2015 and June 2015. A validated structured questionnaire was used.Results.The study included 299 participants. Of these 113 (37.8%) were dietary supplements users and this was more common among males than females (44.7% versus 16.4%). Gender based analysis showed that males were exercising more frequently than females and the type of cardiovascular exercise was more among them. The most commonly used supplements were whey protein (22.1%), amino acids (16.8%), multivitamins (16.8%), creatine (11.5%), and omega 3 (11.5%). The reasons for taking dietary supplements were to improve body shape (47.7%), increase health (44.2%), and improve performance (41.5%).Conclusion.Most of the information about supplements was obtained from unreliable sources. More studies are needed to better understand supplements use and their impact on health in Saudi Arabia.

scholarly journals Usage Patterns, Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Dietary Supplement Intake Among Sri Lankan Elite Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suraweera Arachchilage Nimesha Rashani ◽  
Punchividanelage Nilu Jayashika Fernando ◽  
Shehani Pigera ◽  
Madunil Anuk Niriella ◽  
Seevali Jayantha Jayawickreme ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sri Lankan ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Usage Patterns ◽  
Supplement Usage ◽  
Supplement Intake

Abstract Background: The use of dietary supplements without adequate knowledge regarding their constituents places professional athletes at great risk due to possibility of being positive in dope testing. The aim of this study was to identify the dietary supplements usage patterns among elite athletes in various sport types and investigate their knowledge and attitudes regarding that.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which a self -administered anonymous questionnaire was used to collect data from 387 elite athletes participating in individual (athletics, karate, weightlifting, wrestling and shooting), team (cricket, volleyball, netball, rugby, football, kabaddi and hockey) and both (wushu and badminton) sports. The data were analysed using nonparametric tests; Pearson’s chi square test with the level of significant of p < 0.05.Results: Out of 387 athletes, 354 (91.5%) used dietary supplements, multivitamin (57%), electrolyte (49.7%), protein (43.5%), calcium (19.7%) and creatine (17.4%) as the most prevalent types. Gender, social status, educational level, and professionalism had no impact with the supplement use whereas the type of sport played showed a significant impact on supplement intake (p < 0.05), with athletes in netball, rugby, wrestling, badminton and shooting showed 100% usage. Vitamin, protein and creatine usage were high among rugby, netball and weightlifting players (p < 0.05). The majority of athletes consume supplements to improve their performance (41.8%) and energy (54. 5%). Further,60.5% of the athletes claimed on self-prescription without medical advice. Two perceptions of, supplements are essential for maintain fitness and win awards were significantly high in males (p <0.05). Athletes having participated in educational workshops and competed internationally showed significant concern about the contamination risk associated with supplements (p < 0.05). Rugby, weightlifting and netball players showed significant multiple supplement usage among others (p <0.05).Conclusion: This study confirms that dietary supplements are readily used by Sri Lankan elite athletes, while multivitamins, protein and energy drink products are preferred. Additionally, the majority of athletes engaged in supplement use with the aim of performance enhancement and increase energy. Nature of sport played was a determinant factor of net supplement usage while higher multiple supplement usage appeared among intensive sports.

scholarly journals Oral Dietary Supplements Use among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heoy Teng Lee ◽  
Hong Chuan Loh ◽  
Siti Nur Liyana Ramlee ◽  
Irene Looi
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Ensure Patient Safety ◽  
Personal Use ◽  
Dietary Supplement Use

Healthcare workers (HCWs) must be aware of the latest data supporting or refuting the use of oral dietary supplements (ODS) in order to disseminate evidence-based health information and help patients make informed decisions. Nevertheless, there is relatively scant data on the prevalence of dietary supplement use among HCWs, the types of dietary supplements recommended to patients by HCWs, and their reasons for recommending these products, particularly during the COVID-19 outbreak. This study examined the prevalence of ODS use among surveyed HCWs, considered the types of ODS used and recommended by those HCWs, identified the reasons given by those HCWs for using or not using ODS, and determined whether those HCWs were recommending or not recommending ODS to their patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study targeted all HCWs working at a district hospital in Malaysia and was conducted via a self-administered online survey. The survey revealed that 67.3% of HCWs did not recommend ODS for patient use during the pandemic, despite 55.3% of HCWs reported personal use of ODS during the pandemic. Type of HCWs (P=0.001), monthly household income (P=0.019), prior ODS use (P<0.001) and recommendation of ODS to patients (P<0.001) were significantly associated with personal ODS use during the pandemic. Vitamin C was the most commonly used (81.3%) and recommended (95.0%) ODS. “To maintain overall health and wellness” was the most common reason for personal ODS use and recommendation to patients (83.3% & 79.2%). Given the increasing rate of ODS use during the pandemic, further research should be done so that evidence-based recommendations can be formulated to ensure patient safety.

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

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 783-790
Author(s):  
Doaa M. Abdel-Salam ◽  
Jumanah M. Alruwaili ◽  
Raghad A. Alshalan ◽  
Taghreed A. Alruwaili ◽  
Shrouq A. Alanazi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Dietary Supplement ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Dietary Supplement Use

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 <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 >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.

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