.

Abstract:

This research investigates the prevalence, patterns, and sociodemographic

determinants of nutritional supplement use among women in Port Harcourt City

Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Utilizing the Health Belief Model

as a theoretical framework, the study explores factors influencing supplement

utilization, including perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, cues to

action, and self-efficacy. A descriptive survey design was employed, involving a

sizable population and a multi-stage sampling technique. The research aims to

provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals, enabling them to offer

tailored guidance on the safe and effective use of nutritional supplements among

women in the specified region. The findings contribute to the broader

understanding of health behaviors and nutritional practices in the local context.

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY,CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary

The modern diet, high in calories and fat but low in proteins, vitamins, and

minerals, has led to chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Nutritional

supplements are products designed to supplement the diet and provide

additional nutrients, and their use has increased globally due to inadequate

dietary intake, increased physical activity, and growing awareness of the benefits

of supplement use. These supplements are used for various reasons, including

maintaining health status, recovering from disease states, body weight reduction,

fertility, combating the common cold, enhancing brain function, and promoting

body building. Women in particular use supplements to regulate menstrual cycle

fluctuations, maintain life stages, improve bone health, manage weight, reduce

stress, and enhance health conditions. However, there are negative factors

associated with supplement use, such as lack of regulation, potential overdosing,

possible interactions with current essential medical therapies, and disruption of

the body's natural balance. This study aims to investigate the sociodemographic

variables associated with the utilization of nutritional supplements among women

in Port-Harcourt City Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria, to provide

guidance on the use of nutritional supplements and ensure their safety and

efficacy.

This study explores the use of nutritional supplements among women in Port

Harcourt City Local Government, Nigeria. The most common supplements are

multivitamins, calcium, and iron, with women using these supplements reporting

higher awareness of their benefits, higher socioeconomic status, and higher

education levels. The research, guided by the Health Belief Model, reveals key

determinants influencing supplement use, including perceived susceptibility,

severity, benefits, barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. Sociodemographic

factors such as education and socioeconomic status also play a role in supplement

adoption.

The study acknowledges potential negative factors, such as lack of regulation,

possible overdosing, and interactions with medical therapies. Healthcare

professionals should consider these aspects when providing guidance on

supplement use. The comprehensive approach of the study enhances the

generalizability of the findings, and healthcare professionals can leverage this

knowledge to formulate tailored recommendations for the safe and effective use

of nutritional supplements among women in Port Harcourt City.

Recommendations include implementing health education programs targeting

women in Port Harcourt City to increase awareness about the benefits and risks

associated with nutritional supplements, advocating for improved regulation of

the nutritional supplement market, providing tailored counseling sessions

considering individual health needs, fostering community engagement initiatives

to promote healthy dietary habits, and supporting continued research to monitor

trends in supplement use and adapt recommendations based on evolving health

behaviors and nutritional practices.

5.2 Conclusion

In conclusion, this study sheds light on the intricate landscape of nutritional

supplement utilization among women in Port Harcourt City Local Government

Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. The research, guided by the Health Belief Model,

reveals key determinants influencing supplement use, including perceived

susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy. The

findings highlight a notable prevalence of supplement use, particularly

multivitamins, calcium, and iron. Sociodemographic factors such as education and

socioeconomic status play a role in supplement adoption. Despite the positive

impact of nutritional supplements on health, the study acknowledges potential

negative factors, such as lack of regulation, possible overdosing, and interactions

with medical therapies. Healthcare professionals should consider these aspects

when providing guidance on supplement use.

The study's comprehensive approach, encompassing a sizable population through a

multi-stage sampling technique, enhances the generalizability of the findings.

These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of health behaviors and

nutritional practices specific to the local context. Moving forward, healthcare

professionals can leverage this knowledge to formulate tailored recommendations,

ensuring the safe and effective use of nutritional supplements among women in

Port Harcourt City.

5.3 Recommendations

1. Health Education Programs: Implement health education programs targeting

women in Port Harcourt City to increase awareness about the benefits and risks

associated with nutritional supplements. Emphasize the importance of obtaining

nutrients through a balanced diet whenever possible.

2. Regulatory Measures: Advocate for improved regulation of the nutritional

supplement market to ensure product safety, accurate labeling, and prevention of

potential overdosing.

3. Healthcare Professional Guidance: Encourage women to seek guidance from

healthcare professionals before initiating nutritional supplement use, especially

those with pre-existing health conditions or those taking medications.

4. Tailored Counseling: Provide tailored counseling sessions considering

individual health needs, socioeconomic status, and educational background to

enhance the effectiveness of supplement recommendations.

5. Community Engagement: Foster community engagement initiatives to promote

healthy dietary habits and disseminate accurate information on nutrition,

emphasizing the importance of obtaining nutrients from food sources.

6. Research Continuation: Support continued research to monitor trends in

supplement use, assess the impact of interventions, and adapt recommendations

based on evolving health behaviors and nutritional practices.

By implementing these recommendations, stakeholders can work collaboratively to

promote informed decision-making regarding nutritional supplement use and

contribute to the overall health and well-being of women in Port Harcourt City.

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