Prevalence and Use of Dietary Supplements Among Pharmacy Students in Saudi Arabia

Overview

Journal Risk Manag Healthc Policy

Publisher Dove Medical Press

Specialty Public Health

Date 2020 Sep 28

PMID 32982510

Citations 21

Authors

Sana Samreen

Nasir A Siddiqui

Syed Wajid

Ramzi A Mothana

Omer M Almarfadi

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: Dietary supplements (DSs) are popular in many countries, and their use among individuals is increasing worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and use of DSs among pharmacy students in King Saud University College of Pharmacy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design targeting male senior pharmacy students in their fourth and fifth years of Bachelor and Doctor of Pharmacy courses. The data were collected between August and October 2019 using paper-based questionnaires.

Results: A total of 46.8% of the students used DSs. Of all students surveyed, 19% used branded supplements whereas 9.7% used generic or local supplements and 12.3% used both generic and branded supplements. Furthermore, 8.2% students suffered from side effects, including 5.6% who suffered from nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and 2.6% who suffered from headache, confusion, and disorientation. Approximately 24.6% of students used fiber DSs whereas 19% and 16.4% used DSs for protein and glucosamine/omega 3 fatty acids, respectively.

Conclusion: The study findings indicated that the prevalence of DS use is increasing. However, approximately half of the respondents encourage the use of DSs only with a doctor's recommendation. Educating about the safe use of DSs is warranted.

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