Page 183 - Petelin, Ana, ur. 2024. Zdravje delovno aktivnih in starejših odraslih / Health of Working-Age and Older Adults. Zbornik povzetkov z recenzijo ▪︎ Book of Abstracts. Koper: Založba Univerze na Primorskem/University of Primorska Press

Knowledge and usage of probiotics among older people in Styria Region

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Sabina Fijan , Melanie Mitrović , Nataša Mlinar Reljić 1
1 University of Maribor, Faculty of Health Sciences, Maribor, Slovenia
2 University Clinical Medical Center Maribor, Maribor. Slovenia
Introduction: Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate
amounts confer a health benefit to the host. Scientific evidence of probiotic benefits
on human health includes treatment or prevention of diarrhoea and various bowel dis-
eases, mental health, wound healing and strengthening the immune system. This is es-
pecially important for older people with age-related diseases and adverse changes in
immune function. This study aimed to examine the knowledge and usage of probiot-
ics among older people.
Methods: The study was based on quantitative research methodology, using cross-sec-
tional design. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire containing 14 ques-
tions distributed among members of the older people`s Association in Styria Region.
70 questionnaires were distributed and all of them were returned and correctly com-
pleted.
Results: Among 70 participants, 49% were female and 51% male, aged 65-80 (average
72.9). Most reside in rural areas (64%), 10% in cities, and 26% in suburbs. 51% complet-
ed secondary school, 40% completed primary school and 8% held a university degree.
Most were unfamiliar with probiotics, mistaking them for fiber (90%) or vitamins (4%).
Only 6% knew the correct definition. However, 91% acknowledged their impact on di- posterji | poster presentations
gestion, 86% on the immune system, 49% on cholesterol, and 32% on allergies. While
69% knew probiotics could be dietary supplements, most consumed them as func-
tional foods despite available supplements. On the other hand, they consume various
fermented foods such as sauerkraut, yogurt, cheese that contain beneficial microbes.
Participants sought probiotic information online, on TV, and in pharmacies, consider-
ing doctors’ offices the least likely source.
Discussion and conclusions: Our findings were consistent with previous studies report-
ed among older people, namely that probiotics are not well-known among older peo-
ple. However, they are familiar with the positive effects that probiotics can confer such
as aiding in digestion and influence on the immune system. Considering the numerous
advantageous effects of probiotics, their consumption constitutes a vital adjunct to
nutrition, particularly for older people. A cornerstone of health promotion, predom-
inantly facilitated by healthcare professionals, should encompass educating individu-
als on the beneficial impacts of probiotics. Acknowledging that doctors’ offices were
among the least likely venues for probiotic information dissemination in our study, this
shows the significance of health workers serving as the principal source of such knowl-
edge, rather than relying solely on the internet and broadcast media or social media.
Keywords: probiotics, beneficial microorganisms, retirement, knowledge, older peo-
ple, nutrition.

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