Investigating the use of dietary supplements among undergraduate pharmacy students

Yazid, Farah Nabillah and Engku Zam, Engku Nursyamimi and Bedu Hasan, Evana Tashah and Musa, Fatin Aqilah and Hurdy, Nurfadhilah and Atta Abbas, Naqvi and Mohd Taufek, Nor Hidayah (2019) Investigating the use of dietary supplements among undergraduate pharmacy students. In: International Conference on Pharmaceutical Research and Pharmacy Practice cum 14th IIUM-MPS Pharmacy Scientific Conference (ICPRP 2019), 19-20th October 2019, Hotel Istana Kuala Lumpur. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Introduction: Dietary supplements are commonly used among adult’s population for various indications. Little is known about the common types of dietary supplement used and the monthly expenditure for supplements among pharmacy students. Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the use of dietary supplements among undergraduate pharmacy students in Kuantan, Pahang. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a validated Dietary Supplement Questionnaire among undergraduate pharmacy students at International Islamic University Malaysia. Data were analysed using SPSS for descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 372 students participated in the study (age range: 18-25 years), with 45.7% of them took supplements where brands were preferred over generic types. A majority (92.2%) of them did not have any illnesses. The reasons for taking supplements were for general health (38.2%), boosting immunity (18.6%), energy source (9.5%) and enhancing memory (8.8%). The average monthly expenditure for supplement was RM58.73 (USD 14.01). The types of supplements used were multivitamin, evening primrose oil and ginkgo biloba. A majority (68.0%, n=253) of them would recommend supplements with doctors’ advice. They agreed that supplements could prevent chronic diseases (38.8%), were harmless (34.9%), are necessary for all ages (21.3%), and could prevent cancer (5.0%). The sources of information were doctors/pharmacists (33.5%), internet (33.1%) and friends/family/relatives (25.0%). They also reported positive (42.5%), neutral (52.4%) and negative (5.0%) experiences from taking supplements. Conclusion: Dietary supplements were taken by two-fifths of pharmacy students. Further research is needed to evaluate the rational use of supplements among pharmacy students.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Poster)
Additional Information:	6481/76916
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Dietary supplements, use, pharmacy students, types
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Pharmacy Kulliyyah of Pharmacy > Department of Pharmacy Practice
Depositing User:	Nor Hidayah Mohd Taufek
Date Deposited:	12 Dec 2019 12:38
Last Modified:	12 Dec 2019 12:40
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/76916

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