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Lin LY, Husnayain A, Chen YT, Kuo CY. The association between interest of nutritional supplements and COVID-19 pandemic - evidence from Google Trends. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:109. [PMID: 38184540 PMCID: PMC10771707 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17607-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020, the interest of nutritional supplements has emerged. Limited data are available on how the COVID-19 pandemic affects the search interest in nutritional supplements in Taiwan and worldwide. The study aims to investigate changes in public search interest of nutritional supplements pre- and during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Our World in Data dataset was used to collect both global and local (Taiwan) number of COVID-19 newly confirmed cases and deaths. Google Trends search query was being used to obtain relative search volumes (RSVs) covering a timeframe between 2019 to 2022. Spearman's rank-order correlation coefficients were used to measure relationships between confirmed new cases and deaths and RSVs of nutritional supplements. Multivariate analysis was conducted to examine the effect of domestic and global new cases and deaths on the RSVs of nutritional supplements. RESULTS The mean RSVs for nutritional supplements were higher during the COVID-19 pandemic period (between 2020 to 2022) compared to the pre-pandemic period (year of 2019) for both Taiwan and worldwide. In terms of seasonal variations, except for vitamin D, the mean RSVs of probiotics, vitamin B complex, and vitamin C in winter were significantly lower compared to other seasons in Taiwan. The RSVs of nutritional supplements were not only affected by domestic cases and deaths but also by global new cases and deaths. CONCLUSIONS The interests in nutritional supplements had substantially increased in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The RSVs of nutritional supplements in Taiwan were not only influenced by global and domestic pandemic severity but also by seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Yin Lin
- Department of Leisure Industry and Health Promotion, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Atina Husnayain
- Department of Public Health, Monash University, Banten, 15345, Indonesia
| | - Yi-Tui Chen
- Smart Healthcare Interdisciplinary College, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
- Department of Education and Research, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, 103, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Yang Kuo
- Smart Healthcare Interdisciplinary College, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
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Holdbrooke SJ, Afolabi BM, David NA, Kareem KO, Salako A, Aina OO. Perception, knowledge, and consumption pattern of dietary supplement used during COVID-19 pandemic among black Africans: Perspective of Nigerians. DIALOGUES IN HEALTH 2023; 2:100106. [PMID: 36744009 PMCID: PMC9889116 DOI: 10.1016/j.dialog.2023.100106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The awareness of the health implication of Covid-19 pandemic marked an increase consumption of various dietary and herbal supplements (DHS) for the deterrence and/or prophylaxis against the novel emerging and infectious disease. However, there is little indication of the usefulness or otherwise of their use in alleviating symptoms of COVID-19. Objectives To investigate the pattern and determinants of DHS use among the Nigerian population for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Design Cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Setting: Older adolescents and adults residing in Nigeria. Participants Participants (n = 645) residing in the Nigeria were recruited from different geo-political zones and various ethnic groups. Primary and secondary outcomes Prevalence and determinants for the use of different DHS for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in Nigeria, and sources of information for DHS use. Results Most participants (425, 65.9%) believed that dietary supplements are necessary during infectious disease outbreak, but a fewer proportion believed that supplements can be used in conjunction with other drugs to treat Covid-19. Vitamin C was the most known (70.0%) and Vitamin A. The least known (0.3%) dietary supplement Approximately half (50.2%) of the study subjects, more than a third (37.8%) and less than a quarter (22.7%) were aware that Folic acid, vitamin D and vitamin E are DS. Herbal dietary supplements mentioned as known by the study participants included Garlic (46.5%), Ginger (44.7%), Tumeric (36.3%), Moringa (40.0%) and Ginseng (26.3%). Citrus fruit as a DS was recognized by fewer (6.5%) study participants and only 1.6% referred to herbal tea as DHS. In all, 571 (88.5%) of the study participants took DHS during the Covid-19 pandemic with males 1.5 times more likely to take DHS than females (χ2 = 3.09, P-value = 0.08, OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 0.95, 2.47) during the pandemic. Participants reported lesser consumption of Selenium (27, 4.2%), Iron (20,3.1%), Zinc (61, 9.5%) and calcium (101, 15.7%) to prevent/treat Covid-19. Majority (271, 42.0%) of the study participants mentioned "health worker" as source of information on DHS while 13% mentioned "Social media". The sociodemographic determinants of DHS practices used to prevent/treat COVID-19 during the pandemic included older age group of 61-70 years, widows, secondary level of education and not employed. Conclusions The findings showed widespread use of DHS for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. The use of DHS in this study was mainly guided by health workers with a marginal role of social media and Mass media. These findings call for a more robust consolidative tactic towards DHS to ensure its proper and safe use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bamgboye M. Afolabi
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, 6 Edmond Crescent, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
- Health, Environment and Development Foundation, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Nkiru A. David
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, 6 Edmond Crescent, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Kafilat O. Kareem
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, 6 Edmond Crescent, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Abideen Salako
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, 6 Edmond Crescent, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
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Pranjic N, Karabasic A. Dietary Supplementation Practices Among Undergraduate Students in Greece During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Association with COVID-19-related Anxiety. Mater Sociomed 2023; 35:140-147. [PMID: 37701341 PMCID: PMC10495141 DOI: 10.5455/msm.2023.35.140-147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the lack of evidence-based guidance on supplement use for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, consumption of dietary supplements has been shown to increase in many countries. Objective This study aimed to explore the use of dietary supplements among undergraduate students. Methods An online cross-sectional survey was conducted between May and June 2021, involving a total of 536 participants (57.8% female) aged between 18-30 years in two university towns in central and northern Greece. Two validated questionnaires were used regarding dietary supplements and stress during COVID-19. Results The prevalence of dietary supplement use was 67.5%. The three most popular supplements consumed were vitamin C (65.2%), followed by vitamin D (58.3%), and multivitamin and mineral supplements (56.9%). The use of CAS-5 indicated that 13.1% of students were classified as having dysfunctional anxiety due to COVID-19 (CAS-5 score ≥5). Logistic regression analysis showed that those who exhibited CAS-5 ≥5 were over two times more likely to consume supplements compared to no-stress participants (OR 2.29, 95%CI: 1.09-4.82). Particularly vitamin D use was associated with CAS score ≥5 (OR 2.18, 95%CI 1.22-3.89) a finding that was not observed with other types of dietary supplements. Conclusion Women, passive smokers, and those who believe that DS are necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic were also more likely to consume dietary supplements. The use of dietary supplements is widespread among Greek students. Future studies should be conducted to monitor whether these increases in DS use are maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurka Pranjic
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine University of Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Almedina Karabasic
- Departmant of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy University of Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Swarnamali H, Francis TV, Sooriyaarachchi P, Jayawardena R. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Sri Lanka: A national level survey. Int J Health Sci (Qassim) 2023; 17:3-11. [PMID: 36704496 PMCID: PMC9832912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective It is important to understand the factors associated with vaccination hesitancy for a given population for successful coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) immunization program. This survey aimed to examine the prevalence of vaccine hesitancy and associated sociodemographic factors. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was undertaken by circulating through social media platforms. Survey questions included sociodemographics and vaccination acquisition-related questions. Results The study comprised a total of 3621 respondents. Over one-fifth of the unvaccinated population were identified as vaccine hesitancy group. Ethnicity and district indicated significant associations with vaccine hesitancy (P < 0.05). Indian Tamils (Odds Radio [OR] 2.222; 95%Confidence interval [CI], 1.150-4.294; P = 0.018), Sri Lankan Tamils (OR 1.714; 95% CI, 1.181-2.488; P = 0.005), and Sri Lankan Moors (OR 1.913; 95% CI, 1.316-2.781; P = 0.001) had significantly higher odds of vaccine hesitancy when compared to the Sinhalese. People in rural areas also had greater odds of vaccine hesitancy (OR 1.339; 95% CI, 1.000-1.793; P = 0.05) compared to municipal council areas. Conclusion Vaccine hesitancy was considerably high in this survey population. Our results emphasize the need of the Sri Lankan government taking appropriate efforts to establish a targeted COVID-19 vaccination campaign plan for rural and Colombo district residents. Attention should also be given to ethnic minority groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasinthi Swarnamali
- Health and Wellness Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Tormalli V. Francis
- Health and Wellness Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Piumika Sooriyaarachchi
- Health and Wellness Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ranil Jayawardena
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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Kontopoulou L, Vasara E, Paraskevadaki E, Karpetas G, Papathanasiou IV, Gourgoulianis KI. Public Health Dimensions of CVD Prevention and Control - Global Perspectives and Current Situation in the Federation of BiH. Mater Sociomed 2023; 35:152-156. [PMID: 37701339 PMCID: PMC10495152 DOI: 10.5455/msm.2023.35.152-156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background CVD remains a leading cause of death in Europe and worldwide accounting for 3.9 million deaths each year in Europe alone. Even with well-known risk factors and the current standards of health care, improvement of health and quality of life of CVD patients are still remains one of the biggest public health challenges we must overcome. Objective The aim of this narrative review is to provide a brief overview of the recent and relevant documents of good practice in prevention, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of Cardiovascular diseases that should be consider as milestones for the health authorities in the Federation of BiH. Cardiovascular diseases stil represent a worldwide public health problem, with some new dimensions caused by challenges caused through pandemic of COVID-19. The wellknown cardiovascular risk factors require new and more efficient public health approaches to the prevention and control. Conclusion Due to the recently developed cardiovascular guidelines that were made by the European Society of Cardiology and World Heart Federation, key priority for health authorities should be is to update the existing CVD guidelines in the Federation of BiH in accordance with the international good practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamprini Kontopoulou
- Faculty of Nursing, Respiratory Disorders Lab, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Eleni Vasara
- Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eva Paraskevadaki
- Eva Paraskevadaki, Research and Statistics Consultant, StepUpAdvisor.gr, Greece
| | - Georgios Karpetas
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Informatics Lab, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Konstantinos I. Gourgoulianis
- Faculty of Medicine, Pulmonology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
- Faculty of Medicine, Pulmonology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
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Fatima MT, Bhat AA, Nisar S, Fakhro KA, Al-Shabeeb Akil AS. The role of dietary antioxidants in type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders: An assessment of the benefit profile. Heliyon 2022; 9:e12698. [PMID: 36632095 PMCID: PMC9826852 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Healthy diet is vital to cellular health. The human body succumbs to numerous diseases which afflict severe economic and psychological burdens on the patient and family. Oxidative stress is a possible crucial regulator of various pathologies, including type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. It generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that trigger the dysregulation of essential cellular functions, ultimately affecting cellular health and homeostasis. However, lower levels of ROS can be advantageous and are implicated in a variety of signaling pathways. Due to this dichotomy, the terms oxidative "eustress," which refers to a good oxidative event, and "distress," which can be hazardous, have developed. ROS affects multiple signaling pathways, leading to compromised insulin secretion, insulin resistance, and β-cell dysfunction in diabetes. ROS is also associated with increased mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation, aggravating neurodegenerative conditions in the body, particularly with age. Treatment includes drugs/therapies often associated with dependence, side effects including non-selectivity, and possible toxicity, particularly in the long run. It is imperative to explore alternative medicines as an adjunct therapy, utilizing natural remedies/resources to avoid all the possible harms. Antioxidants are vital components of our body that fight disease by reducing oxidative stress or nullifying the excess toxic free radicals produced under various pathological conditions. In this review, we focus on the antioxidant effects of components of dietary foods such as tea, coffee, wine, oils, and honey and the role and mechanism of action of these antioxidants in alleviating type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders. We aim to provide information about possible alternatives to drug treatments used alone or combined to reduce drug intake and encourage the consumption of natural ingredients at doses adequate to promote health and combat pathologies while reducing unwanted risks and side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munazza Tamkeen Fatima
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes Prevention Program, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ajaz Ahmed Bhat
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes Prevention Program, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sabah Nisar
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes Prevention Program, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Khalid Adnan Fakhro
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, P.O. Box 34110, Doha, Qatar,Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar,Department of Human Genetics, Laboratory of Genomic Medicine-Precision Medicine Program, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ammira Sarah Al-Shabeeb Akil
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes Prevention Program, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar,Corresponding author.
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