Assessment of Dietary Supplement Usage, Motivations, and Information Sources Among University Students

Introduction: Dietary supplements (DS) play a significant role in health promotion and chronic disease management by providing vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other bioactive compounds. Their use has surged globally, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with varying consumption patterns across populations and regions. College students represent a key demographic with distinctive usage motivations and knowledge gaps regarding DS. This study aimed to assess the demographic profile, prevalence, types, motivations, information sources, spending habits, and perceptions of dietary supplement use among college students at An-Najah National University. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed using an online and paper-based questionnaire administered to 380 randomly sampled students. The instrument assessed demographics, DS use patterns, knowledge, perceptions, and adverse effects. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and comparative tests via SPSS. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Results: Among participants (54.1% female, majority aged >22 years), 43.4% reported DS use, predominantly multivitamins/minerals (37%) and herbal products (21.8%). Primary motivations included boosting energy (33.6%) and immunity (31.4%). The internet (48.4%) and nutritionists (43.9%) were the main information sources. DS users had significantly lower knowledge scores than non-users (p=0.001). Adverse effects were reported by 14.2%, mainly nausea and stomach pain, prompting 42.3% to consult healthcare providers. Non-users expressed concerns about DS effectiveness and cost. Conclusion: DS use among college students is common, driven by health enhancement motives but accompanied by knowledge deficits and occasional side effects. Targeted education and professional guidance are essential to optimize safe and informed DS use in this population.