Understanding Future Healthcare Providers' Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Supplement Use at a Private Medical College in Lahore

Abstract

Background: The use of dietary supplements without healthcare provider recommendations is widespread, although many supplements should ideally be used under professional supervision. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and perception of future healthcare providers regarding the use of supplements. Methods: A validated questionnaire was administered to future healthcare providers from various faculties, including medical, dentistry, and pharmacy. The questionnaire was divided into segments: demographics, attitude, knowledge, and perception regarding the use of supplements. Results: The study revealed that female students exhibited a more positive attitude towards the use of supplements, with a mean score of 44.43 out of 50 (SD = 2.11), compared to males who scored 39.32 (SD = 4.65). Final-year students had a better attitude compared to pre-final-year students (P = 0.001, η² = 0.213). In terms of knowledge, females scored higher, averaging 8.9 out of 10. Pharmacy students demonstrated better knowledge compared to students from other faculties (P = 0.35, η² = 0.14). Perception results indicated that females had a more positive perception than males, and non-hostellers had a better perception compared to hostellers (P = 0.008, η² = 0.18). Overall, females, pharmacy students, and final-year students showed better knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding supplement use. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of targeted educational interventions to improve the knowledge, attitude, and perception of future healthcare providers regarding the appropriate use of supplements, with particular attention to gender and faculty differences.