Sociodemographic factors and parental views associated with use of an omega-3 supplement for their children

Abstract

Background: Omega-3 fatty acids reportedly improve child learning and behavioral outcomes. However, sociodemographic factors and parental perceptions driving omega-3 supplementation in children are not fully understood. Methods: In a cross-sectional study design, we examined factors associated with use of a commercial omega-3 supplement for children (1–18 years) among 280 Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese parents. Results: After adjustment for demographic and lifestyle factors, multivariable logistic regression showed that omega-3 supplement use was higher in children with greater quality of life [OR, 4.81 (95% CI: 1.64, 14.10)] and whose parents had more advanced education [OR, 2.29 (95% CI: 1.02, 5.15)]. Parents who viewed the omega-3 supplement as proven by research [OR, 5.01 (95% CI: 1.83, 13.74)], safe [OR, 7.44 (95% CI: 2.66, 20.80)] and natural [OR, 2.47 (95% CI: 1.09, 5.60)] were more likely to use the product for their child, as were those who reported positive social feedback regarding the product [OR, 2.44 (95% CI: 1.33, 4.48)]. Conclusion: Omega-3 supplement use among children residing in Asia was associated with better socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics. Parental views concerning the safety and efficacy of the omega-3 product were major predictors of supplementation practices.