KNOWLEDGE, Motivation, and Consumption of Dietary Supplement Use in Jolo, Sulu, PHILIPPINES

Abstract

Dietary supplement (DS) use has increased globally, yet evidence regarding knowledge, motivations, and consumption patterns in underserved Philippine communities remains limited. This study assessed dietary supplement knowledge, motivational factors, consumption patterns, and their associations with selected socio-demographic characteristics among adults in Jolo, Sulu, Philippines. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a structured survey questionnaire assessing dietary supplement knowledge, motivations for use, and consumption practices. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to examine relationships among study variables. Respondents demonstrated a moderate level of dietary supplement knowledge (mean = 5.56 ± 2.22), although important misconceptions regarding supplement functions, labeling, and potential risks were identified. Motivation to use dietary supplements was high (mean = 3.76 ± 0.45) and was primarily influenced by perceived health benefits, beliefs regarding the safety of natural products, and recommendations from healthcare professionals and social networks. More than half of respondents reported current dietary supplement use, with herbal products being the most commonly consumed. Motivation was positively associated with supplement consumption (r = 0.155, p < .05), whereas knowledge was not significantly associated with consumption (p > .05). Knowledge demonstrated a weak negative correlation with motivation (r = -0.248, p < .001). Significant differences in supplement consumption were observed according to age, marital status, educational attainment, smoking history, and alcohol intake. Dietary supplement use among adults in Jolo, Sulu, appears to be driven primarily by motivational and behavioral factors rather than knowledge. The coexistence of widespread use, moderate knowledge, and persistent misconceptions underscores the need for targeted health education, strengthened pharmacist-led counseling, and enhanced public awareness initiatives to support safe, informed dietary supplement use.