Assessment of Knowledge, Perception, and Practices Regarding Probiotics and Prebiotics Among Clinicians in Saudi Arabia: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Probiotics and prebiotics are important in preventing different diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is a functional bowel disorder characterized by changes in bowel habits. Considering the limited studies on this topic, the present study was conducted to assess both gastroenterologist (GI) physicians’ and dietitians’ practices in recommending probiotics and prebiotics for IBS patients, as well as to measure their professional educational history on probiotics and prebiotics. A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the knowledge, use, and perceptions of probiotics and prebiotics of GI physicians and dietitians at governmental hospitals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A validated questionnaire was sent to 42 participants of both genders selected randomly, who were all qualified healthcare practitioners. The majority of GI physicians demonstrated high levels of knowledge about the health benefits of probiotics and prebiotics (76.2%). In contrast, most dietitians had lower levels of knowledge (52.4%), representing a significant difference between both groups (p<0.01). 83.3% of GI physicians believed that the use of probiotics and prebiotics was required for IBS patients, as compared with 50.0% of dietitians. In conclusion, GI physicians were shown to be more knowledgeable and believed more in the benefits of using probiotics and prebiotics in IBS patients than dietitians, but most participants were not aware of the probiotic products that are available in pharmacies in Saudi Arabia.