Exploring probiotic awareness, perceptions, and practices in the Saudi population: a cross-sectional study.

Probiotic awareness among Saudi participants was moderate, with yogurt being the most recognized probiotic source.

• Mean awareness score was 5.2 out of 8 (65%)
• Yogurt was identified as a probiotic source by 95% of participants
• The study included 286 participants aged 18 years and older, recruited from July to October 2024
• The majority of participants were female (79%) and over 30 years old (54.9%)

Participants generally held positive perceptions of probiotics, though barriers to use were reported.

• Mean perception score was 3.74 ± 0.60 on a Likert-type scale
• Limited knowledge was reported as a barrier by 56.2% of participants
• High cost was also identified as a barrier, with a mean score of 3.28 ± 1.09
• Barriers also included limited advertising

Probiotic use was reported by over half of respondents, with a strong preference for natural sources.

• 54.5% of respondents reported using probiotics
• 71.2% of users preferred natural probiotic sources over supplements
• The structured questionnaire used was titled 'Public Knowledge and Perception of Probiotics'

Probiotic usage was significantly associated with several demographic factors.

• Age was significantly associated with probiotic use (χ² = 15.251, P < 0.001)
• Education level was significantly associated with probiotic use (χ² = 18.787, P < 0.001)
• Marital status was significantly associated with probiotic use (χ² = 9.825, P = 0.002)
• Monthly income was significantly associated with probiotic use (χ² = 8.548, P = 0.014)

The study was designed with a required sample size of 269 participants based on a type I error rate of 5% and 80% power, with 286 individuals ultimately enrolled.

• Type I error rate (α) = 0.05 and power = 80% were used to calculate the required sample size of 269
• 286 individuals participated, exceeding the required sample size
• The study used a cross-sectional design with a structured questionnaire
• Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27

The authors recommended enhanced public health education, improved affordability, and greater healthcare professional involvement to promote probiotic use in Saudi Arabia.

• Knowledge gaps, affordability, and limited advertising were identified as persistent challenges
• Recommendations included promoting probiotic education through schools and community programs
• Supportive health policies to improve affordability were suggested
• Greater involvement of healthcare professionals in providing probiotic-related guidance was encouraged