The knowledge level and attitude of physicians with medical specialty training about the probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in sufficient quantities, provide a health benefit to the host. Recently, interest in probiotics has increased and as a result, studies have shown that probiotics are beneficial in the treatment and prevention of various diseases. One of the most important ways to benefit as much as possible from probiotics is to question the level of knowledge of physicians on this subject and to raise awareness on this issue. In this thesis study, it was aimed to examine the knowledge level and attitudes of the research assistants about probiotics, who are studying at Bursa Uludağ University Medical Faculty Health Application and Research Center and investigate the relationship between their level of knowledge about probiotics and their recommendations to patients and their use. The study was carried out after literature review by taking the consent of the participants. The survey is basically composed of 4 parts and 26 questions. In these 4 parts, there are questions respectively about sociodemographic information, about probiotic foods, questions about recommendations to patients about probiotics consumption, questions for the level of knowledge about probiotics. 247 physicians (49,6% of all the physicians) participated in our study. 44,1% (n:109) of the participants were male, 55,9% (n:138) of them were female. When we asked them about their competency in probiotics, nearly half of the physicians (41,3%) (n:102) stated that it is not sufficient. A significant relationship was found between knowing the definition of the word probiotic and recommending foods containing probiotics to patients (p=0,029). Physicians who find their knowledge about probiotics sufficient, consume a higher rate of probiotics (p=0,004), and recommend probiotic-containing foods (p<0,001) and medical products (p=0,012) to their patients. Physicians who recommend probiotic foods and medical products to their patients more often prescribe probiotic products together with antibiotherapy (p<0,001). As a result, it was detected that physicians are reluctant to prescribe or recommend medical products containing probiotics to their patients although they have knowledge about probiotics. Prescribing rates are low, especially due to the lack of accurate literature knowledge on recommending probiotics together with antibiotherapy. When more specific information on probiotics was presented, it was observed that physicians do not have enough information. It can be recommended to organize regular trainings for physicians to ensure proper clinical use of probiotics. Keywords: Probiotics, microbiota, knowledge level, attitude