Awareness of healthcare professionals on micronutrients use in disease prevention and physical activity in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Micronutrients play fundamental roles in the aetiology, prognosis and resistance to diseases, as well as the protection against free radicals damage. These fundamental roles have made micronutrients to become an integral part of health management and physical activity. The understanding of healthcare professionals (HCP) of these benefits appears limited. This study therefore examined Healthcare professionals in Ibadan to ascertain their awareness of the use micronutrients in disease prevention and physical activity. A descriptive survey design was used for the study; 130 randomly selected HCP took part in the study. The HCP are Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists and Medical Laboratory Scientists. The result revealed that HCP were aware of: micronutrients use for disease prevention; X²observed = 49.08; table value = 18.55 and df = 12; p < 0.05 (significant); micronutrients use for physical activity: X²observed = 220.34; table value = 18.55 and df= 12; p < 0.05 (significant). HCP in Ibadan appear to have adequate understanding of micronutrient use for disease prevention and physical activity. However, they should continue to go for update courses in nutrition and disease management to keep abreast of knowledge.

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Keywords: Micronutrients, free radicals, disease prevention with antioxidants, healthcare professionals