ATTITUDES TOWARD SUPPLEMENTATION AND PRACTICE OF VITAMIN C USE AMONG ADULTS BEFORE AND DURING COVID-19
Journal
Medicus
Date Issued
2022
Author(s)
Ibadete, Bucalija
Valza, Ismajli
Veron, Ismajli
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The rapid spread of COVID-19 influenced the increase in the consumption of supplements as
complementary therapy due to the fact that their efficacy has been proven in the treatment and prevention of
infectious diseases due to their antimicrobial and immunomodulating activity.
Purpose: This study aimed to assess attitudes towards health supplements and measure the level of vitamin C use
before and during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Method and material: The paper is a cross-sectional analytical study prepared during the period April-September
2022. The data was obtained through a questionnaire which was distributed to people aged 18 and over living in
the region of Ferizaj. Descriptive analysis was carried out to present the attitudes to supplement use and vitamin
C consumption practice, including frequency, duration and preferred dosage form, etc.
Results: 500 individuals participated in the study. The results revealed that the pandemic significantly changed
the participants’ attitude towards the importance of DS in supporting good health, increasing from 74.0% before
the pandemic to 80.6% during the pandemic ( p =0.01). A 5.6% increase difference was shown during the pandemic
compared to before in the attitude towards the use of preparations for strengthening immunity. Three quarters of
respondents (76%) reported consuming vitamin C during the pandemic, 50% had consumed it before the pandemic.
Estimated weekly or daily intake of vitamin C increased significantly during the pandemic period m (p=.0000)
Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic influenced the changing attitudes of respondents towards the use of
supplements to strengthen the immune system during a pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period. Taken
together, the practice of taking vitamin C showed an increase that reflects increased health awareness and fear
of illness.
Introduction: The rapid spread of COVID-19 influenced the increase in the consumption of supplements as
complementary therapy due to the fact that their efficacy has been proven in the treatment and prevention of
infectious diseases due to their antimicrobial and immunomodulating activity.
Purpose: This study aimed to assess attitudes towards health supplements and measure the level of vitamin C use
before and during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Method and material: The paper is a cross-sectional analytical study prepared during the period April-September
2022. The data was obtained through a questionnaire which was distributed to people aged 18 and over living in
the region of Ferizaj. Descriptive analysis was carried out to present the attitudes to supplement use and vitamin
C consumption practice, including frequency, duration and preferred dosage form, etc.
Results: 500 individuals participated in the study. The results revealed that the pandemic significantly changed
the participants’ attitude towards the importance of DS in supporting good health, increasing from 74.0% before
the pandemic to 80.6% during the pandemic ( p =0.01). A 5.6% increase difference was shown during the pandemic
compared to before in the attitude towards the use of preparations for strengthening immunity. Three quarters of
respondents (76%) reported consuming vitamin C during the pandemic, 50% had consumed it before the pandemic.
Estimated weekly or daily intake of vitamin C increased significantly during the pandemic period m (p=.0000)
Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic influenced the changing attitudes of respondents towards the use of
supplements to strengthen the immune system during a pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period. Taken
together, the practice of taking vitamin C showed an increase that reflects increased health awareness and fear
of illness.
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