Dietary Supplementation among Working Women at a Tertiary Institution in Southwest Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Abstract
Background: Dietary supplementation is essential for maintaining overall health, particularly for working women who may not get enough nutrients from their diets alone due to hectic schedules. This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dietary supplementation among working women at Babcock University in Southwest Nigeria.
Method: A cross-sectional study of 420 working women selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data were gathered using a questionnaire and analysed with IBM SPSS version 25. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated. Chi-square tests examined associations between the independent (socio-demographic) and dependent variables (knowledge, attitudes and practice), with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05 (95% confidence level). Independent variables significantly associated with the dependent variables were entered into a logistic regression model to identify factors independently associated with dietary supplementation.
Results: The majority of respondents were 35–44 years (40.0%). Overall, 78.1% demonstrated good knowledge, 70.0% a positive attitude, and 72.1% good practice. Supplement use in the last 12 months was 80.0%. Safety practices were high, 90.0% checked expiry dates, 86.0% followed recommended dosages, only 45.0% obtained supplements by prescription, and 23.3% trusted their quality in Nigeria. Education level remained significantly associated with knowledge of and attitude towards dietary supplementation, while chronic health conditions remained significantly associated with its practice (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Despite high knowledge and positive attitudes, gaps in understanding, low professional guidance, and poor product quality trust persists. Public health efforts should strengthen regulation and integrate targeted counselling to promote safe, evidence-based supplement use.
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