Use, attitudes and public knowledge towards dietary supplements in Slovakia

Abstract

Objective of study: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the use of dietary supplements by general public in Slovakia, to identify their attitudes and knowledges towards these products. Methods: A questionnaire survey of 256 respondents was conducted in the time span of October to December 2014 by on-line collection. The use of dietary supplements and knowledges of respondents as their agreement with general, safety and efficacy claims regarding to dietary supplements were evaluated. The results were processed using descriptive Microsoft Excel. Results: Up to 64.5% of the respondents use dietary supplements sometimes (49.8%). Pharmacy was the most frequent place for their pur- chase (55.8%). The main reason for their use is prevention of disease (30.0%) and particular it concerns to supplements containing vitamins. 57.0% of respondents reported enough information about dietary supplements, the main informative source was identified internet (23.8%), pharmacists (18.6%) and physicians (14.6%). Only 21.5% of respondents use dietary supplements by the recommendation of a physician and 11.5% by the recommendation of the pharmacist. As areas with higher level of knowledge of respondents were identified the perception of difference between dietary supplement and medicine (78.1%), knowledge that dietary supplement is available without a prescription (72.0%) and that its use is appropriate to consult with a specialist (71.3%). 58.5% of respondents knew that a dietary supplement is not a medicine, but only 25.3% of them knew that dietary supplement belongs to food for special nutritional purposes. 34.0% of respondents considered dietary supplements as completely safe and 19.6% thought that they are effective as medicines. Conclusion: The study found that the use of dietary supplements by the general public in Slovakia is comparable with other countries. The evaluation of knowledges showed perceptions and attitudes of the general public towards the efficacy, safety and general characteristics of dietary supplements. Responsible and safe use of dietary supplements, however, requires greater involvement of health professionals.