Information, perception, and utilization of vitamin supplementation among patients in private hospital in Bangladesh

Despite the fact that nutritional supplements are very beneficial to the human body and can help restore equilibrium when there is an imbalance, they can also have detrimental effects on the body if taken excessively, particularly if high dosages of these vitamins are taken, which can lead to a variety of health issues. The purpose of our study is to evaluate patients' knowledge, attitudes, and habits about the usage of nutritional supplements and how they affect overall health. To evaluate patient knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the use of nutritional supplements, an outpatient descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in (Citylab Health Care Hospital) Kishoreganj, Bangladesh. Answers to a questionnaire created specifically for this purpose were used to gather data. Following oral consent from patients attending outpatient clinics, patients were interviewed. Data was collected for two months, starting in June 2023 and ending in July 2023. The findings of the study indicate that a majority of participants, specifically 72.5%, reported the consumption of vitamins. Furthermore, it was observed that a significant proportion of individuals, specifically 39%, were taking these vitamins under the guidance of a prescription. The results of the study indicate that vitamin C was the most widely recognized nutrient among the participants, with a prevalence rate of 62.5%. Conversely, vitamin D was found to have the lowest level of familiarity, with only 28% of respondents demonstrating awareness of this particular vitamin. The individuals obtained their knowledge regarding nutritional supplements from various sources, including internet sites, medical professionals, and books. The primary motivation for the consumption of nutritional supplements was to enhance overall health, as indicated by a majority of respondents (78%). In order to recover from the illness, they achieved a healing rate of 76%.