Health consciousness or familiarity with supplement advertising

Use and attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine among university students: The role of gender and race

Purpose: This study assessed gender, race, use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), attitudes toward CAM, and disclosure of CAM use to health providers using an online survey of 506 students at a regional public university. Methods: Ordinary least squares regression models were used to examine relationships of interest, including use, attitudes, and disclosure of CAM by self-identified gender and race. Results: The most common therapy reported included vitamins and mineral supplements, and participants of all racial and gender identities expressed generally positive attitudes toward CAM. Women reported using CAM significantly more often than men, and Whites more often than non-Whites. Conclusions: White respondents were more likely to disclose the use of CAM to healthcare providers compared to African American respondents, and women reported disclosure more often than men. A significant interaction between gender and race was noted for attitudes toward CAM for Whites and African Americans, with White women most positive toward CAM.

Does knowledge and concern regarding food supplement safety affect the behavioral intention of consumers? An experimental study on the theory of reasoned action

In recent years, health crises have led consumers to make more frequent purchases of food supplements. The global food supplement market, which reached $61.20 billion in 2020, is estimated to reach $163.12 billion by 2022 and $350.96 billion by 2032. However, many consumers still have concerns about the safety of food supplements. Within the scope of the research, firstly, the health consciousness (HC) level of food supplement consumers was determined. Secondly, food safety knowledge (FSK) and food safety concerns (FSCs) were measured. Thirdly, consumers' attitudes (ATUs), subjective norms (SNs), and behavioral intentions (BIs) toward food supplements were determined within the scope of the theory of reasoned action. The study used a convenient sampling, and 327 participants were included in the sample population. The data for the analysis was collected using the online survey method in the third quarter of 2023. The relationships between hypothesized items in the structural model were tested using the Smart-PLS. The validity and reliability of the measurement model were evaluated at the start of the structural equation modelling approach using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Regression analyses were performed in the structural model phase to evaluate overall fit and suggested relationships by way of the Smart-PLS. In light of the findings, it was determined that the interaction between HC and ATU was mediated by FSK, and the interaction between HC and the SN was mediated by FSK. Consequently, this research presents a variety of theoretical and practical implications to give clues for consumers' health regarding food supplement consumption.

The role of information quality, trust and anxiety on intention to buy food supplements at the time of COVID-19 outbreak

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors affecting consumer`s intention to buy food supplements during COVID-19 pandemic using the expanding theory of planned behavior model. The variables of perceived information quality, trust and anxiety are integrated in the model of this study.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 553 valid questionnaire responses were collected via an online survey in the epicenter of the pandemic in Indonesia, such as Jakarta and surrounding cities. To evaluate the causal links between latent variables, structural equation modeling was adopted using LISREL software. Before the research hypothesis had been tested, validity and reliability analysis was carried out to make sure the measurement can be used.

Findings

The findings indicate that perceived information quality influences trust and anxiety, and then both of them influence attitude toward food supplements. Moreover, the intentions to buy food supplements are determined by the consumer`s attitude.

Research limitations/implications

This study assumes all consumers have similar access to information because they are living in the greater Jakarta. Nevertheless, in fact, the access of information is not similar between age groups and locations. Future research may wish to differentiate evaluations of a full-information group from those of the limited-information groups.

Originality/value

This study provides a model of consumers` buying intentions toward food supplement products in the time of a health crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic as a novelty. The implications of this study provide meaningful direction for marketing decisions and policy interventions in developing food supplement industries.

Probiotic Supplementation and Food Intake and Knowledge Among Patients and Consumers

The consumption of probiotics has gained popularity, highlighting the importance for consumers and clinicians to be aware of their compositions and health effects. The primary objective was to determine incentives for taking probiotics and knowledge about probiotic composition among consumers of various education levels, ethnicities, and locations. A secondary objective was to determine brands, dosages, prices, advertised benefits, and refrigeration status of commercially available probiotics in the Sacramento region. This was a voluntary anonymous online survey conducted from May to August 2017. Surveys were administered at the University of California Davis (UCD) Dermatology Clinic, as well as at approved locations within a 100-mi. radius. Data analysis was performed at the UCD Dermatology clinic. Eligible participants age 18 years and older were asked to complete a voluntary anonymous online survey. A random sample of participants were recruited from the UCD Dermatology clinic, local schools, and health food stores within the designated parameters. We collected 396 surveys, 97% of which were completed. Of those surveyed, 39.4% have previously taken probiotics, 44.6% could identify at least one species present in their supplement, 42.5% could identify the number of strains, and 33.0% could identify the dosage. Gut health was the most common reason for taking probiotics (58.1%). Most rated price as important when purchasing probiotics (70.3%). Although probiotic use is prevalent in Sacramento, most people are unfamiliar with the composition of their supplement. More evidence is needed to guide consumers in making more educated decisions.

Willingness to pay for traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM) among Malaysian adults

Purpose

Health plays a crucial role in the daily lives and supporting health is the important role of medicine. With the availability of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM), the demands and willingness to pay among users are increasing. Hence, this study aims to determine the psychological factors influencing the willingness to pay for TCAM among Malaysian adults.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 300 completed self-administered questionnaires were collected from Malaysian adults using a purposive sampling method through intercepts at public health-care facilities. A structural equation modelling approach using partial least square was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings show that attitude, subjective norms, perceived price and knowledge have a significant impact on willingness to pay for TCAM. Surprisingly, there was no relationship found between perceived behavioural control and health consciousness on willingness to pay for TCAM.

Originality/value

The findings of this study are expected to provide better insights into TCAM use among Malaysian adults. The results are also important to encourage health-care institutions and practitioners to educate the general public on the safety of TCAM to ensure more health benefits to the users.

Dietary Supplement Use in US Army Personnel: A Mixed-Methods, Survey and Focus-Group Study Examining Decision Making and Factors Associated With Use

BACKGROUND

Dietary supplement (DS) use by Army personnel is high and is a safety and readiness issue.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to examine factors motivating use of DSs among US Army personnel and preferred safety education strategies.

DESIGN

This mixed-method study used a validated DS questionnaire and subsequent focus groups that were formed based on questionnaire-identified demographic characteristics. An embedded qualitative dominant design was used.

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING

Data were collected from April to July 2015 from active duty soldiers at 3 military installations in the United States.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

A self-report questionnaire (n = 289) provided data on demographic characteristics, health, exercise, detailed use, and attitudes regarding DS safety and efficacy. Fourteen focus-group sessions (n = 129) examined factors motivating DS use, education strategies, and identified themes and DS-related behaviors.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS PERFORMED

Descriptive statistics and χ² analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Of the soldiers who completed questionnaires, 83% were male, 60% were enlisted, and 40% were officers; mean age ± standard deviation was 27.6 ± 0.36 years and 75% used at least 1 type of DS per week: 52% used protein/amino acids, 47% used multivitamins/minerals, and 35% used a combination of products. Focus groups indicated reasons for use included physical appearance, fitness, peer endorsement, ease of access, limited availability of healthy food, occupational demands, and health. Participants requested education from an expert on safe use that was not focused on dangerous products.

CONCLUSIONS

Soldiers are high DS users, especially products marked for purported performance enhancement. Motivating factors for DS use are fitness/appearance and occupational demands, but soldiers lack knowledge of DS regulatory requirements and safety/efficacy. Soldiers wished to receive education on DSs from trusted health care professionals, such as registered dietitian nutritionists, that was not focused on dangerous products. Study findings suggest guidance and education should occur before periods of high DS use, such as deployment.

Healthwashing in high-sugar food advertising: the effect of prior information on healthwashing perceptions in Austria

In the context of exceeding levels of sugar consumption, some food companies advertise high-sugar products using inappropriate and misleading health claims (i.e. healthwashing). To reduce sugar consumption, consumers need to recognize what these healthwashed claims are. This study investigates how prior sugar-related health information moderates the effect of exposure to healthwashed advertisements (ads) on healthwashing perceptions and how such perceptions are related to attitudes towards product consumption. We conducted a 2 × 2 online experiment with 292 adult participants in Austria. We manipulated the presence of healthwashing and participants’ prior sugar-related health information. The results indicated that exposure to healthwashed ads increased healthwashing perceptions only when the participants received additional health information prior to ad exposure, whereas no significant effect was found when the participants did not receive such prior health information. Healthwashing perceptions were then negatively related to individuals’ attitudes towards product consumption. Based on these results, the study suggests that public access to health-related information might play an important role in empowering consumers to detect inappropriate health claims and become more critical towards food companies’ underlying strategies in ads.

Sweetening Agents and Sweeteners in Dietary Supplements for Children-Analysis of the Polish Market

Sweetening agents (SA) and sweeteners are major additives used in the production of dietary supplements (DS), they fulfill both technological and organoleptic functions. The aim of this study is to identify the types of SA and sweeteners found in DS intended for children and to determine the secondary role of them. The study was performed on data from the documentation of representative samples of DS (N = 315) available on the Polish market. The results show that 75.24% of the products contained at least one SA or sweetener. Sucrose is the SA most frequently used in DS production. The empirical findings show that the type of sweetening ingredient correlates closely with the formulation of products, which in turn has to be suited to consumption abilities of the target group as well as to the children's taste requirements. The crucial need for analysis of the composition of DS is emphasized in the light of high consumption rates of these products as well as limited regulations and policy.

The Relationship between Health Consciousness and Home-Based Exercise in China during the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people have reduced the frequency of going out, and need to engage in health behaviors at home. Home-based exercise has aroused people's attention. This paper aims to examine the influencing mechanism of health consciousness on home-based exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire method was used to select 449 Chinese respondents on an online platform; the questionnaire includes a health consciousness scale, health life goal scale, perceived behavioral control scale, and the home-based exercise scale. A T-test was used to conduct differential analysis. The hierarchical regression analysis method was used to examine the relationship between health consciousness and home-based exercise, and the Hayes' SPSS PROCESS macro was used to test mediating effect. The results show that there are significant differences in home-based exercise with respect to gender, age, and marital status. Health consciousness has a significant positive effect on home-based exercise. Perceived behavioral control acts as the mediator between health consciousness and home-based exercise. Health consciousness can influence home-based exercise through health life goals and perceived behavioral control in turn. This paper takes a home-based exercise survey, and expands the theoretical research of home-based exercise. The findings suggest that people should pay attention to promoting the transformation of health consciousness into home-based exercise. It provides enlightenment for people to adopt health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The adverse effect of doctors’ skepticism toward prescription drugs

Purpose

This study examines the use of high-expertise sources such as doctors to sell dietary supplements and the use of skeptical statements toward approved drugs in the act of selling dietary supplements.

Design/methodology/approach

The research questions are addressed by means of a scenario experiment that manipulated two independent variables: expertise (high- vs low-expertise) and skepticism toward prescription drugs (present vs absent).

Findings

Surprisingly, skeptical statements from a low-expertise source toward a prescription drug made while selling dietary supplements was found to have an insignificant effect on selling effectiveness (willingness to recommend and perceived product effectiveness). However, when a high-expertise source (doctor) did the same, selling effectiveness was reduced.

Research limitations/implications

The paper identifies a boundary condition for competitive selling claims of dietary supplements. Doctors are likely to get away with claims regarding the efficacy of dietary supplements until they criticize a more credible prescription drug in favor of supplements.

Practical implications

Claims made by a low-expertise sources and high-expertise sources in the act of selling dietary supplements must be carefully considered. Conventional wisdom tactics may be ineffective.

Originality/value

This paper uniquely demonstrates the role of competitive skepticism at different levels of expertise. The findings of this study suggest that managers, in especially the multi-level marketing industry, should reconsider some of their selling tactics.