EC Microbiology

Background: Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits when administered in appropriate amounts. They are used as immune boosters. They have also been discussed for treating acute infections, including gastroenteritis and respiratory tract infections.

Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among parents residing in Taif, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire included questions about socio-demographic data and assessed the participant's knowledge, attitude, and practice concerning probiotics. Additionally, we evaluated the correct use of probiotics for their children. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: The study included 285 parents who agreed to participate. About 38% of the participants possessed a good level of knowledge, 42% had a positive attitude, and 35% reported a good practice level regarding probiotics and their correct use for children. The highest percentage of participants with sound knowledge were those who used the internet as the primary source of information (56.3%) (p-value < 0.001). A better attitude was found among participants who depend on physicians as the primary source of information (p-value < 0.001) and non-Saudi participants (p-value = 0.005). Parents who depend on physicians as the primary source of information showed significantly higher practice levels (72.2%) (p-value < 0.001).

Conclusion: The study revealed that knowledge, attitude, and practice of probiotics were inadequate among parents in Taif City, Saudi Arabia, and needed to be improved. These findings suggest that policymakers, educational institutions, and scientific organizations should develop awareness programs to provide the public with adequate information about the benefits of probiotics to children and their correct use.

 Keywords: Probiotics; Gastroenteritis; Respiratory; Pediatrics; Normal Flora; Saudi Arabia

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