Dietary Supplement Use, Adverse Events and Related Health Effects among Population of UAE: A Cross-Sectional Study

Dietary supplements are concentrated sources of nutrients used as an addition to a normal diet with a nutritional or physiological effect. In this cross-sectional study, it was aimed to determine the factors of dietary supplement use, the related knowledge, and their relationship with supplement use in a faculty of health sciences among university students. This cross-sectional study was carried out with 333 voluntary university students from Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, the Faculty of Health Sciences. A questionnaire form consisting of 5 sections was applied to the students by face-to-face interview method. The most remarked purposes of supplement use were to improve health (44.2%) and boost immunity (22.1%). There was no difference between age, gender, department, coexistent disease, tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption in terms of dietary supplement use (p = 0.611, p = 0.720, p = 0.682, p = 0.062, p = 0.491, and p = 0.658, respectively). No significant difference was observed between physical activity status, the duration of physical activity, dieting status, the source of diet program, daily frequency of main meals and snacks, body mass index (BMI) groups, and the reason for meal skipping among students according to dietary supplement use (p = 0.180, p = 0.205, p = 0.686, p = 0.226, p = 0.533, p = 0.449, p = 0.976, and p = 0.758, respectively). There was not any significant difference between physical activity status, the duration of physical activity, dietary supplement use, dieting status, the frequency of main meals and snacks and BMI in terms of total knowledge score of dietary supplements (p = 0.245, p = 0.713, p = 0.278, p = 0.067, p = 0.466, p = 0.647, and p = 0.851, respectively). Scientific attention should be paid to the use of dietary supplements. Arbitrary approaches can lead to unwanted interactions. Therefore, in order for health and government policies to be established related to dietary supplements, it is essential to determine the factors related to their use.

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

INQUIRY The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing ◽

10.1177/00469580211020882 ◽

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.

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

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16030374 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 374 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

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.

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

The Open Public Health Journal ◽

10.2174/1874944502013010783 ◽

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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Nonvitamin, Nonmineral Dietary Supplement Use among Adults with Fibromyalgia: United States, 2007–2012

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2017/6751856 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2017 ◽

pp. 1-13 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Termeh Feinberg ◽

Christa Lilly ◽

Kim Innes

Keyword(s):

Dietary Supplement ◽

Sampling Design ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Supplement Use ◽

Health Related ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Dietary Supplement Use ◽

Representative Samples

Background. Fibromyalgia (FMS) is a pain condition affecting 2–6% of US adults; effective treatment remains limited. Determinants of nonvitamin, nonmineral dietary supplement (NVNM) use among adults with FMS are not well-studied. We investigated the relation of NVNM use to FMS, and trends, in two nationally representative samples of US adults ≥18 years. Methods. Data were drawn from 2007 and 2012 National Health Interview Surveys (N’s = 20127 and 30672, resp.). Logistic regression was used to examine associations of FMS to NVNM use (past 12 months) and evaluate potential modifying influences of gender and comorbidities. Multivariate models adjusted for sampling design, demographic, lifestyle, and health-related factors. Results. FMS was significantly higher in 2012 than in 2007 (1.7% versus 1.3%), whereas NVNM use decreased (57% versus 41%; p<0.0001). Adults reporting diagnosis were more likely to use NVNMs within 12 months, 30 days, or ever relative to adults without; positive associations remained significant after controlling for demographics, lifestyle characteristics, medical history, and other confounders (ranges: 2007 and 2012 AORs = 2.3–2.7; 1.5–1.6, resp.; p’s < 0.0001). Conclusion. In this cross-sectional study of two national samples, NVNM use was strongly and positively associated with FMS, highlighting the need for further study.

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Analysis of adverse events following immunization in Zhejiang, China, 2019: a retrospective cross-sectional study based on the passive surveillance system

Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics ◽

10.1080/21645515.2021.1939621 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Xuejiao Pan ◽

Huakun Lv ◽

Fuxing Chen ◽

Ying Wang ◽

Hui Liang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adverse Events ◽

Surveillance System ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Passive Surveillance ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Passive Surveillance System

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SAT0078 SAFETY OF LOW DOSE METHOTREXATE (MTX) IN HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) INFECTION

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.2968 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 974.2-974

Author(s):

A. Gunay ◽

A. Davidson ◽

I. Colmegna ◽

D. Lacaille ◽

H. Loewen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Low Dose ◽

Opportunistic Infections ◽

Case Reports ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Study Quality ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Immunodeficiency Virus

Background:Increased awareness of the efficacy of MTX in rheumatic disease is leading to more MTX use in patients from HIV endemic areas. While HIV related immunosuppression may contribute to improvement of some rheumatic diseases, immune reconstitution from highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may lead to exacerbation or presentation of autoimmune disorders for which MTX therapy may be warranted. Most management guidelines for rheumatic disease do not address MTX use in the context of HIV.Objectives:To systematically review the published literature on the safety of using MTX ≤30 mg per week in HIV.Methods:We searched CINAHL, Embase, Global, MEDLINE and World of Science databases (Jan 1990 to May 2018) for terms including ‘methotrexate’ and ‘human immunodeficiency virus’. We also searched citations from review articles. Titles, abstracts or full manuscripts were screened independently by 2 reviewers to identify studies reporting HIV in patients taking MTX. Study quality was assessed using the McGill Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data was extracted on MTX and HIV adverse events (MTX toxicity, HIV viral load, CD4 count). Descriptive summaries are presented for studies providing outcomes in patients taking MTX ≤30 mg per week.Results:After removing duplicates and studies not meeting criteria or not providing sufficient information, 42 of the 2714 identified reports were included (1 clinical trial, 2 cohort, 1 cross-sectional study, 38 case reports/case series). Most reports (81%) originated from USA or Europe. Study quality was generally good with most studies fulfilling 50-100% of MMAT criteria. The randomized controlled trial (USA) assessing MTX on atherosclerotic disease in HIV showed that adverse events were more common in MTX versus placebo (12.8% vs 5.6%, p non-inferiority <0.05) and included infection, transient CD4 and CD8 drop, pulmonary toxicity, and death (1 attributed to MTX/HIV, 1 unrelated). One cohort study (South Africa) reported 43 RA patients on MTX who acquired HIV. In this cohort, RA generally improved despite only 5 individuals continuing MTX. No data on MTX adverse event rates was reported. One cohort study (USA) reported 13 HIV patients with myositis. One received MTX (with other immunosuppression) without MTX adverse effects but died due to AIDS. A cross-sectional study (France) of 43 HIV pts with autoimmune disease reported one patient on MTX (and other immunosuppression) developed an adverse event (cytopenia) compared to 5/33 patients not on MTX (cytopenia). The 38 case reports/series described 54 individuals with HIV receiving MTX. Of these studies, 27 (describing 42 subjects) reported on MTX adverse events and 35 (describing 46 subjects) reported on HIV adverse events. MTX adverse events developed in 29 subjects (hematologic 13, renal/hepatic 1, opportunistic infections 10, other events 2). HIV adverse events were noted in 23 subjects (Kaposi’s sarcoma 4, CD4 decrease 16, HIV viral titer increase 4). Five deaths were reported (2 infection, 1 infection and wasting, 2 HIV related deaths). Most subjects also received corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants including biologics.Conclusion:There remains limited data on the safety of low dose MTX in HIV. Surveillance for HIV is warranted for individuals on MTX who are at risk for acquiring HIV. Caution and careful monitoring for MTX toxicity, opportunistic infections and HIV state is suggested if MTX is used in the setting of HIV particularly if combined with other immunosuppression.References:[1] Clin Infectious Disease 2019:68[2] J Rheumatology 2014:41[3] Arthritis and Rheumatism 2003:49[4] Medicine 2017:96Acknowledgments :Funding from International League Against RheumatismMcGill University Global Health Scholar AwardsDisclosure of Interests:Alize Gunay: None declared, Anna Davidson: None declared, Ines Colmegna: None declared, Diane Lacaille: None declared, Hal Loewen: None declared, Michele Meltzer: None declared, Yewondwossen Mengistu: None declared, Rosie Scuccimarri: None declared, Zenebe Yirsaw: None declared, Sasha Bernatsky: None declared, Carol Hitchon Grant/research support from: UCB Canada; Pfizer Canada

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