The Use of Nutritional Supplements Among Recreational Athletes in Athens, Greece

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 377-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Tsitsimpikou ◽  
Nastasia Chrisostomou ◽  
Peter Papalexis ◽  
Konstantinos Tsarouhas ◽  
Aristidis Tsatsakis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Anabolic Steroids ◽  
Nutritional Supplements ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Health Food ◽  
Food Stores ◽  
Recreational Athletes ◽  
Mass Spectrometric Detector ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Source Of Information

Although the use of nutritional supplements by professional athletes and the benefits thereof have been extensively studied, information on recreational athletes’ use of supplements is limited. This study investigated the consumption of nutritional supplements, source of information and supply of supplements, and level of awareness with regard to the relevant legislation among individuals who undertake regular exercise in Athens, Greece. A closed-ended, anonymous questionnaire was answered by 329 subjects (180 men, 149 women), age 30.6 ± 12.1 yr, from 11 randomly selected gym centers. Preparations declared as anabolic agents by the users were submitted to a gas chromatographic analyzer coupled to a mass spectrometric detector. Consumption of nutritional supplements was reported by 41% of the study population, with proteins/amino acids and vitamins being the most popular. Age (r = .456, p = .035), sex (χ2 = 14.1, df = 1, p < .001), level of education (χ2 = 14.1, df = 3, p < .001), and profession (χ2 = 11.4, df = 4, p = .022) were associated with the subjects’ decision to consume nutritional supplements. Most (67.1%) purchased products from health food stores. Only 17.1% had consulted a physician or nutritionist, and one third were aware of the relevant legislation. Two preparations were detected containing synthetic anabolic steroids not stated on the label. In conclusion, use of nutritional supplements was common among recreational athletes in Athens, Greece. A low level of awareness and low involvement of health care professionals as sources of information and supply were observed.

scholarly journals Health Information Provided by Retail Health Food Outlets

2000 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 767-771 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaclyn Calder ◽  
Robert Issenman ◽  
Ruth Cawdron
Keyword(s):  
Information Sources ◽  
Nutritional Supplements ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Research Assistant ◽  
Health Food ◽  
Herbal Supplements ◽  
Alternative Health ◽  
Food Stores ◽  
Source Of Information

Alternative health practices have become increasingly popular in recent years. Many patients visit specific complementary practitioners, while others attempt to educate themselves, trusting advice from employees at local health food stores or the Internet. Thirty-two retail health food stores were surveyed on the nature of the information provided by their staff. A research assistant visited the stores and presented as the mother of a child in whom Crohn’s disease had been diagnosed. Seventy-two per cent (23 of 32) of store employees offered advice, such as to take nutritional and herbal supplements. Of the 23 stores where recommendations were made, 15 (65%) based their recommendation on a source of information. Fourteen of the 15 stores using information sources used the same reference book. This had a significant impact on the recommendations; the use of nutritional supplements was favoured. In conclusion, retail health food stores are not as inconsistent as hypothesized, although there are many variances in the types of supplements recommended for the same chronic disease.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Use and Practices of Licensed Dietitians Related to Dietary Supplements in Lebanon

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-30
Author(s):  
Cyrille Nacouzi ◽  
Vanessa Tarazi ◽  
Lara Kabalane ◽  
Maya Hosry ◽  
Mira Hleyhel
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Health Food ◽  
Knowledge Use ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Stores ◽  
Nutrient Supplements ◽  
Quality Of Patient Care ◽  
Source Of Information

Abstract Objective To evaluate Lebanese licensed dietitians’ (LDs) knowledge, prevalence of use and recommendation of dietary supplements (DS), and their associated factors. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting Dietitians across Lebanon were contacted through the telephone and were asked to participate in the study. An online self-administered questionnaire was designed and sent to dietitians either by email or by WhatsApp, between March 4th and May 4th, 2020. Participants This study included 319 dietitians randomly selected from the dietitians’ list that was provided by Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. Results Around 75% of dietitians had a knowledge score above 50%. Overall, 73.7% of them have used DS and 46.1% have recommended them. Higher knowledge score was associated with less years of experience, using scientific articles as source of information on DS, and participating in research. Resorting to pharmacists was significantly associated with both nutrient supplements (NS) and herbal supplements’ (HS) use, whereas referring to health food stores was associated with HS use only. NS recommendation to patients was associated with personal NS use (OR=3.38, P<0.001), considering pharmacists as a source of information on DS (OR=2.29, P=0.01) and discussing DS with patients (OR=3.82, P=0.01). Having personally used HS (OR=12.23, P<0.001) and having discussed DS with patients (OR=8.51, P=0.01) increased the likelihood of recommending HS. Conclusions A proper DS education, the elaboration of national scientific guidelines and the implementation of concise laws regarding the regulations of DS would play a crucial role in supporting dietitians’ practices and improving the quality of patient care with respect to DS.

scholarly journals Nutritional Supplement Habits of Athletes With an Impairment and Their Sources of Information

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 387-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terri Susan Graham-Paulson ◽  
Claudio Perret ◽  
Brett Smith ◽  
Jeanette Crosland ◽  
Victoria Louise Goosey-Tolfrey
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Supplement ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Health Food ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Sporting Event ◽  
Sports Drinks ◽  
Specific Advice ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
Reasons For Use

The consumption of nutritional supplements (NS) is common among able-bodied (AB) athletes yet little is known about NS use by athletes with an impairment. This study examined the: (i) prevalence of NS use by athletes with an impairment; (ii) reasons for use/nonuse; (iii) sources of information regarding NS; and (iv) whether age, gender, impairment, performance level and sport category influence NS use. The questionnaire was completed by 399 elite (n = 255) and nonelite (n = 144) athletes (296 M, 103 F) online or at a sporting event/training camp. Data were evaluated using chi-square analyses. Fifty-eight percent (n = 232) of athletes used NS in the previous 6-month period and 41% (n = 102) of these followed the instructions on the label to determine dose. Adherence to these AB recommendations may partly explain why 9% (n = 37) experienced negative effects from NS use. As expected, the most popular NS were: protein, sports drinks, multivitamins and carbohydrate supplements, which were obtained from health food/sport shops, internet and supermarkets (top 3) where evidence-based, impairment-specific advice is limited. The nutritionist/dietitian was the most used and trusted source of information, which is a promising finding. The most prevalent reasons for use were to support exercise recovery, support the immune system and provide energy. Elite athletes were more likely to use NS, which may reflect greater training hours and/or access to nutritionists. Fifty-two percent of athletes (n = 209) requested more information/education regarding NS. NS use is prevalent in this population. Education on dosage and appropriate sources of information is required.

Nutritional Supplement Use among College Athletes and Their Sources of Information

2004 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Froiland ◽  
Wanda Koszewski ◽  
Joshua Hingst ◽  
Lisa Kopecky
Keyword(s):  
Female Athletes ◽  
Nutritional Supplements ◽  
Nutritional Supplement ◽  
Division I ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Sports Drinks ◽  
Varsity Athletes ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
Reasons For Use

A survey was conducted to examine the source of information and usage of nutritional supplements in 115 male and 88 female varsity athletes at a Division I university. The survey asked each athlete to define supplement, and report supplement use and type, source of information, and reasons for use. Supplement use frequencies were determined, and comparisons were made between gender and sport. Eighty-nine percent of the subjects had or were currently using nutritional supplements. Many athletes did not consider sports drinks and calorie replacement products as supplements. Females were more likely to take calcium and multivitamins, and males had significant intake for ginseng, amino acids, glutamine, hydroxy-methyl-buterate (HMB), weight gainers, whey protein, and Juven. The most frequently used supplements overall were energy drinks (73%), calorie replacement products of all types (61.4%), multivitamin (47.3%), creatine (37.2%), and vitamin C (32.4%). There was also significant supplement use noted per sport. Females were more likely to obtain information from family members regarding supplementation, and males from a store nutritionist, fellow athletes, friends, or a coach. Female athletes were more likely to take supplements for their health or because of an inadequate diet, while men reported taking supplements to improve speed and agility, strength and power, or for weight/muscle gain.

scholarly journals Consumer Understanding of Nutritional Supplements: An Irish Context

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Ann Walsh ◽  
Angela Wright
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Distribution Channel ◽  
Nutritional Supplements ◽  
Marketing Channel ◽  
Distribution Channels ◽  
Nutritional Supplement ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Mixed Method Research ◽  
Health Food ◽  
Food Stores

<p class="ber"><span lang="EN-GB">Nutritional Supplements have been available in Ireland for over thirty years. Originally available in health food stores only, supplements now have several distribution channels including pharmacy, practitioner, and online. Recommendations for consumption can come from many sources including general physicians, alternative practitioners, dieticians and nutritionists. The demand for Nutritional Supplements has increased over the years, and the industry has expanded exponentially. Nutritional Supplements provide an important opportunity to optimize illness prevention. As scientists and health professionals start to understand the value of Nutritional Supplements in terms of the prevention and treatment of disease, consumers follow suit. Market growth of Nutritional Supplements is reliant both on market positioning and the distribution strategies and channels chosen by the industry. The success or failure is dependent on how effectively and efficiently their products are sold through marketing channel members (e.g., agents, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers). </span></p><p class="ber"><span lang="EN-GB">An examination of the distribution channel most appropriate to the purchase of Nutritional Supplements, and advice on their consumption has never been investigated in Ireland to date; hence, this research will be applicable to those involved in this specific industry. </span></p><p class="ber"><span lang="EN-GB">A mixed method research approach was undertaken in this study to enable a thorough overview of the industry as it currently stands in Ireland. This research examines the quality of education of those who are distributing, retailing and/or recommending Nutritional Supplements. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with twelve participants working within the Nutritional Supplement sector. This research also examines the thoughts of the consumer, relative to preferred distribution channels and who they deem most appropriate as advisors of Nutritional Supplements in Ireland. This was executed through a quantitative process and the consumer data was collated via an online survey. </span></p><p class="ber"><span lang="EN-GB">A key finding of this study is that those who are considered best qualified for consultation (general practitioner, dietician and pharmacist), are actually not qualified enough to distribute Nutritional Supplement advice. Health food stores are the preferred distribution channel by consumers; however, Health store workers are not recognised as the most trustworthy for advice. This research will benefit those involved in the manufacture and distribution of Nutritional Supplements in Ireland. </span></p>

scholarly journals Nutritional supplement use among Slovenian adolescents

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 587-593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena Šterlinko Grm ◽  
Mojca Stubelj Ars ◽  
Lilijana Besednjak-Kocijančič ◽  
Petra Golja
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Nutritional Supplements ◽  
Nutritional Supplement ◽  
Nutritional Supplementation ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
North West ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Older Adolescents

AbstractsObjectiveLittle is known about the prevalence of nutritional supplement use in European adolescents. We conducted the present study to analyse the prevalence of nutritional supplement use and factors associated with this use among Slovenian adolescents.DesignThe nutritional supplementation practices of 818 adolescents were studied using an anonymous questionnaire. Information was sought on the type of supplements used, frequency of use and sources of information.SettingThe region of north-west Slovenia.SubjectsSchoolchildren from twenty primary schools and twelve secondary schools.ResultsSome 19·3% of all adolescents reported using at least one nutritional supplement and the prevalence of use was significantly higher in adolescents who were members of sports clubs. Multivitamins were the most common nutritional supplement. Older adolescents were significantly more likely to be supplementing with iron, protein and minerals. Less than 16 % of supplement users in our study sought information from health-care professionals. Nearly 62 % obtained information from parents and coaches, and many adolescents appear to decide on nutritional supplementation themselves, without advice. Older adolescents were significantly more likely to combine supplements than younger adolescents.ConclusionsOne-fifth of Slovenian adolescents use nutritional supplements. There are clear differences in supplement use between younger (age 12 years) and older (age 17 years) adolescents. Multiple use of supplements, coupled with self-managed supplementation in older adolescents, is concerning. Hence, there is an urgent need to provide accurate information regarding nutritional supplements, which will help adolescents, their parents and coaches to make informed choices about their use.

Playing with Fire: Masculinity, Health, and Sports Supplements

2007 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Atkinson
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Growth Hormones ◽  
Health Food ◽  
Fitness Centers ◽  
Food Stores ◽  
Sports Supplements ◽  
Recreational Athletes ◽  
Select Group ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Ethnographic Data

Canadian men flock to gyms to enlarge, reshape, and sculpt their bodies. Fitness centers, health-food stores, muscle magazines, and Internet sites profit by aggressively selling “sports supplements” to a wide range of exercising men. Once associated with only the hardcore factions of male bodybuilders (Klein, 1995), designer protein powders, creatine products, energy bars, ephedrine, amino acids, diuretics, and growth hormones such as androstenedione are generically marketed to men as health and lifestyle-improving aids. This paper explores how a select group of Canadian men connect the consumption of sports supplements to the pursuit of “established” masculinity. I collected ethnographic data from 57 recreational athletes in Canada and interpreted the data through the lens of figurational sociology. Analytic attention is thus given to how contemporary discourses and practices of supplementation are underscored by middle-class understandings of masculine bodies in a time of perceived “gender crisis” in Canada.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitude and perceptions about Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) among occupationally high-risk healthcare professionals of Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Ahmed ◽  
Muhammad Saqlain ◽  
Maria Tanveer ◽  
Azhar Hussain Tahir ◽  
Fakhar Ud-Din ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Nosocomial Transmission ◽  
Haemorrhagic Fever ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries ◽  
Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

Abstract Background Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), a tropically neglected infectious disease caused by Nairovirus, is endemic in low middle-income countries like Pakistan. Emergency health care professionals (HCPs) are at risk of contracting nosocomial transmission of CCHF. We, therefore, aim to analyze the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) of at-risk physicians, nurses, and pharmacists in Pakistan and the factors associated with good KAP. Method A validated questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha 0.71) was used to collect data from HCPs in two CCHF endemic metropolitan cities of Pakistan by employing a cross-sectional study design. For data analysis percentages, chi-square test and Spearman correlation were applied by using SPSS version 22. Results Of the 478 participants, 56% (n = 268) were physicians, 37.4% (n = 179) were nurses, and 6.5% (n = 31) were pharmacists. The proportion of HCPs with good knowledge, attitude, and perception scores was 54.3%, 81, and 69%, respectively. Being a physician, having more work experience, having a higher age, working in tertiary care settings, were key factors for higher knowledge (p < 0.001). The correlation coefficient showed significant positive correlation between attitude- perception (r = 0.560, p < 0.001). Conclusion We have observed average knowledge of HCPs. Therefore, we recommend time to time education campaigns and workshops in highly endemic CCHF regions to be launched by health ministries and HCPs, in particular nurses, encouraged to follow authentic academic sources of information to prevent nosocomial transmission.

scholarly journals Barriers to identifying and obtaining CME: a national survey of physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maureen O’Brien Pott ◽  
Anissa S. Blanshan ◽  
Kelly M. Huneke ◽  
Barbara L. Baasch Thomas ◽  
David A. Cook
Keyword(s):  
Travel Time ◽  
Nurse Practitioners ◽  
Professional Associations ◽  
Physician Assistants ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Online Search ◽  
The Past ◽  
Online Tools ◽  
Source Of Information

Abstract Background CPD educators and CME providers would benefit from further insight regarding barriers and supports in obtaining CME, including sources of information about CME. To address this gap, we sought to explore challenges that clinicians encounter as they seek CME, and time and monetary support allotted for CME. Methods In August 2018, we surveyed licensed US clinicians (physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants), sampling 100 respondents each of family medicine physicians, internal medicine and hospitalist physicians, medicine specialist physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants (1895 invited, 500 [26.3%] responded). The Internet-based questionnaire addressed barriers to obtaining CME, sources of CME information, and time and monetary support for CME. Results The most often-selected barriers were expense (338/500 [68%]) and travel time (N = 286 [57%]). The source of information about CME activities most commonly selected was online search (N = 348 [70%]). Direct email, professional associations, direct mail, and journals were also each selected by > 50% of respondents. Most respondents reported receiving 1–6 days (N = 301 [60%]) and $1000–$5000 (n = 263 [53%]) per year to use in CME activities. Most (> 70%) also reported no change in time or monetary support over the past 24 months. We found few significant differences in responses across clinician type or age group. In open-ended responses, respondents suggested eight ways to enhance CME: optimize location, reduce cost, publicize effectively, offer more courses and content, allow flexibility, ensure accessibility, make content clinically relevant, and encourage application. Conclusions Clinicians report that expense and travel time are the biggest barriers to CME. Time and money support is limited, and not increasing. Online search and email are the most frequently-used sources of information about CME. Those who organize and market CME should explore options that reduce barriers of time and money, and creatively use online tools to publicize new offerings.

Depression, Fatigue, and QoL in Colorectal Cancer Patients During and After Treatment

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (7) ◽  
pp. 893-908 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong-Yi Tung ◽  
Tung-Bo Chao ◽  
Yu-Hua Lin ◽  
Shu-Fen Wu ◽  
Hui-Yen Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Nursing Intervention ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Colorectal Cancer Patients

In this study, we sought to explore the prevalence of depression and fatigue in colorectal cancer patients during and after treatment to examine how these variables affect quality of life (QoL). In total, 170 patients with colorectal cancer participated in this study. The study population was divided into two groups: one receiving treatment and another that had finished treatment. The results showed that depression and fatigue measurements were higher in patients receiving treatment. Depression was a strong and significant predictor of QoL in both groups, whereas fatigue was not, with the exception of the symptom score. These findings underscore the importance of early detection and management of depression and fatigue during the treatment and survival stages of patients with colorectal cancer. Our findings indicate that health care professionals should provide appropriate nursing intervention to decrease depression and fatigue and enhance patient QoL.

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