Parental nutrition knowledge, attitude and practice and their associations with children’s nutritional supplements intake

The prevalence of nutritional supplement (NS) use in children is increasing globally, driven by factors such as parental concerns about dietary deficiencies, the influence of marketing, and the desire to boost immunity and support growth. The objective of this study was to determine the parental nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practice (NKAP) on the nutritional supplement intake in their children in Malaysia. The study also assessed the socioeconomic status (SES) of the parents and children’s dietary habits. The study involved 126 parents of children aged 2-12 years old from Malaysia. An online self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on parental NKAP, SES, children’s dietary habits, and NS use. The study found that 66% of the children were taking at least one type of NS for the past three months. The most used NS were Vitamin C (45.8%) and multivitamin/multimineral (41.0%). The mean NKAP score was 41.0 (SD 3.8) (maximum score 57), which was considered moderate. The mean frequency intake of fruits, vegetables, and snacks among children were 0.89, 1.02, and 0.66 serving per day, respectively. The logistic regression analysis showed that gender was the only factor significantly associated with NS use (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.17, 6.35, p=0.020) whereby female were 2.73 times more likely to give supplements to their children as compared to the male. The study concludes that the prevalence of NS use in Malaysian children is high, aligning with global trends and previous findings in Malaysia. The popularity of Vitamin C and multivitamins reflects a focus on immunity and overall well-being. The moderate mean NKAP score suggests that while parents possess decent nutritional knowledge, there's room for improvement in translating this knowledge into practice. The low intake of fruits and vegetables among children, despite their parents' moderate NKAP scores, underscores the challenges in promoting healthy dietary habits. The significant association between female gender and increased likelihood of giving supplements to children highlights the influential role of mothers in shaping children's health behaviors. The study recommends further research to explore the reasons for NS use among Malaysian children, including parental beliefs and attitudes, sources of information, and perceived benefits and risks. Additionally, investigating the actual impact of NS use on children's health and nutritional status, as well as potential interactions with dietary intake and other medications, is crucial. The study also emphasizes the need for targeted interventions that bridge the gap between parental NKAP and children's dietary practices, promoting healthy eating habits and reducing inappropriate supplement intake. Addressing the gendered nature of supplement intake decisions and exploring the broader sociocultural context of child nutrition can inform the development of effective and culturally relevant interventions. By addressing these research gaps and implementing evidence-based interventions, we can work towards creating a healthier future for Malaysian children.

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