Health Science Reports (Feb 2024)

Evaluating knowledge, habits, and beliefs regarding dietary supplements as a protective measure against COVID‐19 in Malaysia and Iraq: A postsecond wave cross‐sectional analysis

  • Ali Haider Mohammed,
  • Bassam Abdul Rasool Hassan,
  • Ali Blebil,
  • Juman Dujaili,
  • Abdulrasool M. Wayyes,
  • Osama Ayad Abdulhamid,
  • Humam Saadi Salih,
  • Watheq Mohammed AL‐Jewari,
  • Hawar Sardar Hassan,
  • Angelina Lim

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.1865
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 2
pp. n/a – n/a

Abstract

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Abstract Background and Aims The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic brought to the forefront various public health approaches, including the consumption of dietary supplements (DS) as a protective measure. With misinformation regarding the virus and the associated benefits of DS prevalent, this study aimed to understand knowledge, habits, and beliefs related to DS usage as a protective measure during the pandemic in Malaysia and Iraq, two countries with deep‐rooted traditions in herbal and supplement usage. Methods A cross‐sectional research study was conducted between September 2021 and March 2022 using a validated online survey. The participants included Malaysians and Iraqis aged 18 years and above who currently consume DS. Using the SurveyMonkey® platform, data were collected from 2425 respondents (response rate = 60.6%), with analysis carried out using SPSS version 28. Results Demographically, the sample had an almost equal distribution of Malaysians (51%) and Iraqis (49%), with a mean age of 30.61. The majority had tertiary education (78.6%), and only a fraction had been infected with COVID‐19 (26.2%). Concerning knowledge, a significant portion exhibited poor understanding (84.2%) of DS's functioning and implications. Regarding habits, many respondents consumed multivitamins (75.2%), with influence largely coming from peers (23.5%) and product leaflets (46.7%). Belief‐wise, about half (49.2%) utilized herbal or supplemental products as a protective measure during the pandemic, with vitamin C with zinc being the most commonly used (45.4%). Conclusion The study underlines a significant inclination towards DS usage in Malaysia and Iraq, influenced by societal connections and available information. While many believe in the protective capacities of DS against COVID‐19, a substantial knowledge gap persists. It emphasizes the need for evidence‐based awareness campaigns and policies to guide public health decisions.

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