Probiotic knowledge of adults with cystic fibrosis is limited but is associated with probiotic use: A cross-sectional survey study

• Published in: Nutrition and health (Berkhamsted) 2024-12, Vol.30 (4), p.697-706
• Main Authors: Anderson, Jacqueline L, Tierney, Audrey C, Miles, Caitlin, Kotsimbos, Tom, King, Susannah J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; analysis of variance; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cystic Fibrosis; education; Female; gastrointestinal system; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Internet; Male; Middle Aged; nutrition; patients; probiotics; Probiotics - administration & dosage; questionnaires; Surveys and Questionnaires; t-test; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0260-1060; 2047-945X; 2047-945X
• DOI: 10.1177/02601060221136653

Background: Probiotics are used by people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and other chronic diseases to manage gastrointestinal symptoms. Aim: To describe probiotic knowledge; its relationship with probiotic use, probiotic information sources and factors influencing choice in adults with CF and a general population control group. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted in adults with CF (n = 205) and Controls (n = 158). Probiotic knowledge was compared between CF and Controls using a knowledge score (maximum 5) based on predefined criteria: (1a) bacteria/microorganism; (1b) live; (2a) administered; (2b) adequate dose and (3) health benefit, using independent samples t-test. Two-way analysis of variance explored knowledge scores between CF and Control and between Ever User and Never User groups. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests compared knowledge criterion, probiotic sources and influences on probiotic choice between groups. Thematic analysis of open-text responses explored probiotic-related knowledge and influences on probiotic decision making. Results: Knowledge scores (mean ± SD) did not differ between CF (1.70 ± 1.12) and Controls (1.89 ± 0.99), p = 0.13. Probiotic use was associated with knowledge score (p