KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION AND PRACTICES ON DIETARY SUPPLEMENT USE AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN SAUDI ARABIA

Authors

  • Khalid Abdullah Alghamdi, Reem Waleed Abutalib, Mthayel Farhan Alshammari, Shahad Abdulaziz Alzahrani, Yasir Majhud S Alzahrani, Aliaa Adel Alharazi, Haitham Mohammed Aljohani, Futoon faisal afandy, Majed Dhaifallah Alsehli, Khames T, Alzahrani Author

Abstract

Introduction: Dietary supplements (DS) have gained popularity among young adults, but there is limited knowledge about their usage and associated risks. Previous studies have highlighted the prevalence of DS use and the need for education on proper usage. This study aimed to assess the knowledge level and perception of young adults in Saudi Arabia regarding dietary supplement use and associated risks without prescription. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire-based survey. The study included 371 participants aged 18-30 years, residing in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Inclusion criteria included young adults of both genders living in Saudi Arabia, while individuals under 18 years of age and non-Saudis were excluded. Data collection was conducted using a structured questionnaire. The collected data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: In a study involving 371 young adults in Saudi Arabia, findings revealed significant insights into their knowledge, perception, and practices regarding dietary supplement use. The mean age of participants was 24.7 years, with a majority being female (67.7%) and single (67.1%). Notably, 66.0% reported using dietary supplements within the past year, primarily for health reasons (49.7%). While 71.8% acknowledged the potential dangers of unsupervised supplement use, 17.1% admitted not reading instructions, highlighting a need for better education. Additionally, 44.7% exhibited high knowledge levels about supplements, with significant associations found between knowledge and factors such as gender and marital status.

Conclusion: The findings revealed a significant prevalence of dietary supplement use, with 66.0% of participants reporting current or past usage. This aligns with previous research indicating a growing trend of dietary supplement consumption among young adults globally, particularly in the Middle East.

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Published

2025-01-12

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How to Cite

KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION AND PRACTICES ON DIETARY SUPPLEMENT USE AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN SAUDI ARABIA. (2025). CAHIERS MAGELLANES-NS, 183-196. https://magellanes.com/index.php/CMN/article/view/1212