Knowledge of Dietary Supplement Labels Among Humanities and Social Science Students

Abstract

This study was a cross-sectional survey aimed to explore knowledge of dietary supplement labels among university students majoring in the humanities and social sciences. The sample of 100 students from eight faculties within the humanities and social sciences discipline selected through convenience sampling, between January and February 2024. A self-developed knowledge test, validated for content and internal consistency, was used as the research instrument. The test comprised six aspects: understanding of manufacturing and expiry dates, food registration number and verification, nutritional claims, application of label information for dietary planning, warnings and precautions, and laws regarding advertising. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. The results revealed that the majority of the sample were female (65%), in their second year of study (38%), with a monthly income of less than or equal to 10,000 Baht (59%), and living off campus (67%). The average knowledge score was 11.24 ± 3.3 out of a maximum of 20. Most respondents (64%) had a moderate level of knowledge (score 11–15). The area with the highest proportion of correct answers was warnings and precautions concerning pregnancy (89%), while most participants (95%) answered incorrectly or did not know about the application of label information for dietary planning. The results of the study indicate that the participants had a moderate level of knowledge regarding dietary supplement labels. It is recommended that targeted educational interventions be provided to address the specific areas where these students lack knowledge or hold misconceptions.