Prevalence, Clinical and Socio-Demographic Profiles of Dietary Supplements Users in a Tertiary Hospital in Uyo, South – South Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Dietary Supplements are one of the most easy to access complementary therapies. Their popularity is related to increasing public awareness about health and health related issues. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence, clinical and socio-demographic profiles of dietary supplements users among outpatient clinic attendees in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, a tertiary health institution in Uyo, South-South Nigeria. Method: This was a prospective descriptive cross-sectional study, involving 573 respondents carried out between September 2014 and February 2015. Using a systematic sampling technique, respondents aged between 18 and 69 years were recruited, data were collected with a structured self- administered questionnaire. Result: Of the 573 respondents recruited into the study, 62.2% (n=356) used dietary supplements; made up of 19.2% (n = 110) males and 43.0% (n =246) females. Dietary supplements use were more prevalent among respondents with post-secondary school education, 24.1% (n = 138), married 19.5%, (n=112), as well as those in the high level income group, 26.4% (n = 151).Herbs were the most preferred dietary supplements among respondents in this study accounting for 23.0% (n = 132).The reported major source of information about dietary supplements among respondents in this study was health care professionals 28.1% (n = 100). There was a statistically significant relationship between dietary supplements use and the presence of hypertension (p = 0.001); Diabetes mellitus (p = 0.002) and osteoarthritis (p = 0.004) among respondents in this study. Conclusion: Findings from this study show that dietary supplements are a ready source of complementary therapy. There is therefore a compelling need to regulate its standard and quality. Communication between patients and physicians is important so as to avoid any adverse effects associated with the concomitant use of dietary supplements and orthodox medicines.