The use of dietary supplements among the elderly in Yangon, Myanmar

Abstract

This survey research aimed to explore the prevalence of dietary supplement (DS) use and factors associated with DS use among the elderly in Yangon, Myanmar. Two hundred elderly were systematically sampled from four wards in South Okkalapa Township, Yangon. Face-to-face interviews with a structured questionnaire were conducted in February 2020. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and a binary logistic regression were used for data analysis. The average age of the elderly was 70.80 ± 8.07 years. Two-thirds were female and had an education level below high school. Approximately 60% had a monthly household income of less than 300,000 kyats. Seventy percent of them had chronic diseases; however, nearly half perceived their health status as “fair”. In terms of health behaviors, most of them had never smoked and did not exercise. Findings show that the prevalence of DS use among the elderly in Yangon, Myanmar, was high. Most elderly (71%) used DS in the last three months. The top three frequently used were multivitamins and minerals, vitamin B complex, and a combination of ginseng and multivitamins/minerals (59.9%, 17.6%, and 15.5% respectively). The majority used only one DS, once daily, and for a duration of between one and five years. Nearly half of them took DS to promote their health. They obtained DS by purchasing them at pharmacies (45.1%), obtaining them from family/relatives and friends (33.2%), and hospitals (18.5%). Nearly 75.0% reported that they consulted with their healthcare providers when taking DS. There were no associations among the independent variables (demographic factors, health behaviors, as well as health status) and DS use of the elderly. Some of the interventions by healthcare organizations might be created to raise awareness of appropriate use of DS, especially for the elderly group.