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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Dietary Supplementation, before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Survey in the Lebanese Population

Author

Listed:
  • Hala Mohsen

    (Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon
    These authors contributed equally to this work (first-co-authors).)

  • Nour Yazbeck

    (Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon
    These authors contributed equally to this work (first-co-authors).)

  • Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh

    (World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo 11371, Egypt)

  • Nazih Bou Chahine

    (Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon
    Lebanese Food, Drugs and Chemical Administration, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon
    Department of Vascular Surgery, Zahraa Hospital, University Medical Center, Beirut 0961, Lebanon)

  • Houssein Hamieh

    (Nehna Hadak Association, Beirut 0961, Lebanon)

  • Youmna Mourad

    (Al Hadi Laboratory and IVF Center, Beirut 0961, Lebanon)

  • Farouk Skaiki

    (AlKarim Laboratory, Saida 0961, Lebanon)

  • Hassan Salame

    (Lebanese University Task Force, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon)

  • Pascale Salameh

    (Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon
    INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut 0961, Lebanon
    Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia 2408, Cyprus)

  • Maha Hoteit

    (Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon
    Lebanese Food, Drugs and Chemical Administration, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon)

Abstract

At the start of 2020, a new coronavirus (COVID-19) invaded the world leading to the death of 3.92 million people. Sadly, to date, no remedy has been discovered for this virus. Preventive vaccines have been under investigation, but were unavailable until December 2020. Clinical deficiencies of nutrients may increase susceptibility to infections. This knowledge may have provided an incentive for some dietary supplement (DS) manufacturers to advertise their products as COVID-19 preventatives or cures without any substantiation, targeting mainly social media fans. The objective of this research was to assess the usage, knowledge and attitudes towards dietary supplementation before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among Lebanese people. A cross-sectional study was conducted based on a convenience sample (N = 2966) and information from participants aged 18 years and above was collected about periods before and during the pandemic. Our findings showed that attitudes towards DSs changed when the pandemic emerged and people believed that DSs can improve their health and strengthen their immunity. Despite the rise in DS prescription by healthcare professionals, the prevalence of DS use decreased from 73.3% before the pandemic to 69.9% during the pandemic ( p < 0.001). Study results declared that the weekly or the daily estimated intake had increased during the pandemic as compared to before the pandemic, from 14% to 15.6% for antioxidants ( p = 0.014), from 35.3% to 42.1% for vitamin C ( p < 0.001), from 35.5% to 41% for vitamin D ( p < 0.001), from 15.2% to 17.5% for vitamin E ( p = 0.002), and from 18.8% to 29.3% for zinc ( p < 0.001) and other vitamins and minerals (from 9% to 10.9%, p < 0.001). Binary logistic regression indicated that the use of DSs during the pandemic was 4 times higher among those infected with COVID-19, 30 times higher among those who used to take DSs before pandemic, and 1.5 times higher among those who worked in the medical sector. To conclude, there is a crucial need to increase awareness among Lebanese people regarding the use of DSs.

Suggested Citation

  • Hala Mohsen & Nour Yazbeck & Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh & Nazih Bou Chahine & Houssein Hamieh & Youmna Mourad & Farouk Skaiki & Hassan Salame & Pascale Salameh & Maha Hoteit, 2021. "Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Dietary Supplementation, before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Survey in the Lebanese Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-21, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:16:p:8856-:d:619601
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    1. Raul Antunes & Roberta Frontini & Nuno Amaro & Rogério Salvador & Rui Matos & Pedro Morouço & Ricardo Rebelo-Gonçalves, 2020. "Exploring Lifestyle Habits, Physical Activity, Anxiety and Basic Psychological Needs in a Sample of Portuguese Adults during COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-13, June.
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    2. Tharadon Pothisa & Parichat Ong-Artborirak & Katekaew Seangpraw & Prakasit Tonchoy & Supakan Kantow & Nisarat Auttama & Sorawit Boonyathee & Monchanok Choowanthanapakorn & Sasivimol Bootsikeaw & Pitak, 2022. "Knowledge of COVID-19 and Its Relationship with Preventive Behaviors and Vaccination among Adults in Northern Thailand’s Community," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-14, January.

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