Mothers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Probiotics, Their Components, and Uses in Preschool Children

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of mothers with at least one preschool-aged child regarding probiotics, their components, and their uses. Method:Between January 2020 and April 2020, a 22-item questionnaire was administered to mothers of preschool-aged children.The survey assessed socio-demographic characteristics, awareness of probiotics, use of probiotics for their children, factors influencing their use, and mothers' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding probiotics.Results: A total of 136 mothers participated in the study [age range: 23-52 years, mean standard deviaton (SD): 33.385.5 years].The participants' children were aged between 3 months and 5 years (mean SD: 2.731.52years).Among the mothers, 116 (85.3%) reported awareness of the term probiotic, and 69 (50.7%) reported using probiotics for their children.The most commonly used strain was Bacillus clausii.Of those who had heard of probiotics, 66 (56.8%) had learned about them through TV, newspapers, magazines, or the internet, while 36 (31.0%) had heard about them from healthcare professionals.A total of 87 mothers (75%) stated that they would not use probiotics without consulting a doctor.Additionally, 72 mothers (62.1%) considered probiotics as dietary supplements.Among the participants, 58.1% believed probiotics help prevent diseases, and 52.9% knew they contain a high concentration of live microorganisms.Higher education and income levels, employment, and having a professional occupation were significantly associated with greater awareness and use of probiotics for their children.Ama: Okul ncesi dnemde en az bir ocuu olan annelerin probiyotikler, ierikleri ve kullanm alanlar hakknda bilgi dzeyi, tutum ve davranlarnn incelenmesi amalanmtr.Yntem: