Indian participants showed mean knowledge, attitude and practice scores of 16, 23 and 8 respectively regarding probiotic foods, with significant variation by age, gender, state, field of specialization, and occupation, suggesting household-level training could improve awareness and consumption.
Key Findings
Results
Mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores for probiotic foods among Indian participants were 16, 23, and 8 respectively.
Scores were determined from structured questionnaire responses collected from July 2023 to September 2023
The questionnaire was circulated via emails and online social groups within all states of India
Data were analysed using SPSS v31 with T test, F test, and linear regression
Results
Knowledge, attitude, and practice scores varied significantly by age, gender, state, field of specialization, and occupation.
Age showed a significant effect on scores (P = 0.000181)
Gender showed a significant effect on scores (P = 0.000126)
State of residence showed the most significant effect on scores (P = 4.19616433247292E-13)
Field of specialization showed a significant effect (P = 0.000148)
Occupation showed a significant effect (P = 0.000794)
Results
Participants from Uttarakhand and Haryana were significantly aware of the benefits and applicability of probiotic foods but lacked knowledge regarding the right amount of consumption from a nutritional standpoint.
This finding was based on state-level analysis of the questionnaire responses
The gap identified was specifically related to nutritional aspects of probiotic consumption quantities
State-level differences were assessed using the F test
Results
Participants from Delhi and Karnataka demonstrated a positive approach towards the market value of probiotic products in the future.
This finding was based on attitude score analysis by state
State of residence was the most statistically significant demographic variable (P = 4.19616433247292E-13)
Pearson correlation was applied to assess correlations between knowledge, attitude, and practice scores
Conclusions
Training sessions at the household level were identified as a potential strategy to improve probiotic awareness and consumption in India.
The recommendation was based on observed gaps in knowledge regarding the right amount of consumption of probiotic foods
The study was conducted across all states of India to provide a nationwide perspective
Gastrointestinal problems are described as among the most common diseases in India, providing context for the public health relevance of this recommendation
Thapar P, Niharika G, Maheswari U. (2026). Awareness, attitude and practice of Indian population regarding probiotic foods in everyday life.. Scientific reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-29150-8