ISSN: 2222-6990
Open access
Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 gives a profound impression on the people regarding the maintenance of health and the awareness of sustaining good health. An approach that is practiced is consuming dietary supplements to maintain good health, albeit Malaysia has moved into endemic stage of the COVID-19. Considering the significance and extensive use of dietary supplements, it is imperative for prospective healthcare practitioners to have comprehensive knowledge regarding the advantages and potential drawbacks associated with these products. Accordingly, this study was conducted to study the knowledge, awareness, benefits and risks of dietary supplements in students of Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pulau Pinang Kampus Bertam. Methods: Diploma of Pharmacy students were included in an online questionnaire that consisted of 29 questions. The questionnaire comprises of four sections; Section A, Section B, Section C and Section D. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: A total of 88.05% response rate was achieved. 89.6% of the students were aware about dietary supplements and the most common sources they heard about dietary supplements are from the media followed by information circulated by the university. 62.5% of students agreed that the intake of dietary supplements aids in treating people infected with COVID-19. Majority of the students, which is 36.4%, started taking dietary supplements after COVID-19 outbreak occurred and the most common type of dietary supplement consumed was Vitamin C. Their primary reasons for taking dietary supplements is to boost immunity. The students agreed that high dose or too many dietary supplements might cause risks to the body. 83.2% agreed that some dietary supplements might negatively interact with medicines. The students show good perceptiveness and awareness towards the safety and risks of dietary supplements.
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