| Abstract [eng] |
Master's Thesis by Vilius Bogusevičius, Academic Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Rimantas Stukas, Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences (Department of Public Health), Vilnius, 2025 Title of the study: a Study and Evaluation of Food Supplement Consumption Among Vilnius University Students. Aim of the study: to identify and evaluate the use of food supplements among Vilnius University students and the factors influencing their consumption. Objectives of the study: 1. To determine the prevalence of food supplement use among Vilnius University students. 2. To identify the range of food supplements consumed by students. 3. To investigate the criteria influencing students’ choice of food supplements. 4. To explore the sources of information about food supplements used by students. Research methodology: An empirical quantitative study was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire-based survey. The study on food supplement use among Vilnius University students was carried out from October to December 2024. The questionnaire consisted of 28 closed-ended questions with multiple-choice answers. The collected data were analyzed using Microsoft Office Excel and SPSS software (version 26). Study results: A total of 347 undergraduate, graduate, and integrated study students from Vilnius University participated in the study – 72.1% were women and 27.9% were men. Most respondents were third- (32.3%) and fourth-year (33.1%) students. Food supplements were used by 92% of students; however, no statistically significant association was found between usage and gender. The majority had been using supplements for more than two years (54.8%), and the least – for less than six months (7.5%). The most commonly used supplements were vitamins (84.7%), minerals (72.3%), and omega-3 fatty acids (71.3%), while antioxidants were the least used (5.9%). The most popular forms were capsules (86.6%) and tablets (67.3%), with gels being the least used (3.7%). The main reasons for usage were to strengthen the immune system (85%), support cardiovascular health (67.9%), and improve the condition of skin, hair, and nails (59.8%). The responses indicate that students tend to use food supplements to comprehensively support both physical and emotional health. Supplements were most frequently used in autumn (92.8%) and winter (91.3%), and least in summer (44.9%). The primary factor influencing usage was individual information analysis (57.9%), while healthcare professional recommendations had the least influence (21.2%). Social media was the most common source of information (66%), and consultations with healthcare professionals were rare – only 1.9% of students did so regularly. Conclusions: 1. The majority of Vilnius University students use food supplements – 22.8% use them regularly, while 69.7% do so occasionally. Only 7.5% of students do not use supplements at all. 2. The most commonly used supplements are vitamins (84.7%), minerals (72.3%), and omega-3 fatty acids (71.3%). Less frequently chosen are proteins and protein supplements (31.5%), probiotics (16.8%), herbal preparations (9.7%), and antioxidants (5.9%). 3. The main factors influencing supplement use are individual information seeking (57.9%), the influence of social media (56.1%), and personal well-being (40.5%). 4. When choosing food supplements, the most important aspects are taste and smell (81.3%), packaging (76.3%), and natural composition (75.4%). For most students, price (85%) and convenient purchase (83.5%) are also important, while scientific evidence and certifications are relevant to only a small portion of students (10.9%). |
