Evaluation of Jordanian Healthcare Providers' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Patterns towards Probiotics

Abstract

Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns of health-care providers (HCPs) toward probiotics.Methods: This was a face-to-face interview in a random sample (n = 205) of physicians and clinical pharmacist in different Jordanian health-care institutions during the period of 1, June 2017-31, August 2017. A structured validated questionnaire was used to achieve study objectives.Results: Half of HCPs (51.5%) had fair knowledge about probiotics, and pediatricians were the most knowledgeable group of HCPs. Around Fifty-nine percent of HCPs had positive attitudes toward probiotics. However, less than half of HCPs (41.0%) had ever recommended or prescribed probiotics to patients.Conclusion: The results of this study reveal that HCPs have limited knowledge of probiotics although they have positive attitudes toward them. This is not reflected in their own clinical practice. Additional training and education about probiotics among HCPs are very imperative to enhance patient's care.

Keywords: Probiotics; attitude; health-care providers; knowledge; prescribing.