Evaluation of Knowledge and Attitude of People Referred to Pharmacies in Rasht, Iran, Regarding Nutritional Supplements

Today, the consumption of nutritional supplements is increasing dramatically in the world.

This study aims to survey the knowledge and attitudes of people in Rasht, Iran, towards nutritional supplements and determine their consumption rate.

This descriptive-analytical study with a cross-sectional design was conducted over 6 months on 1220 people referred to pharmacies in Rasht city. They completed a self-report questionnaire surveying demographic data, knowledge, and attitude towards nutritional supplements.

The majority of people had poor knowledge (mean score: 5.14±2.36 out of 9). The knowledge scores were significantly different in terms of educational level, occupation, use/non-use of supplements, number of used supplements, and the reason for taking drug supplements, such that people with a master’s degree or higher, healthcare providers, and supplement users had higher scores. The attitude score was 16.14±4.64 (out of 40), and 76.33% had a negative attitude towards nutritional supplements. The knowledge score had a significant negative relationship with the attitude score.

Given the poor knowledge of people in Rasht city and their negative attitude towards nutritional supplements, it is recommended to develop public education programs to improve their knowledge of nutritional supplements.