Table 1_Patterns, motivations, and determinants of dietary supplement use among physically active adults in Eastern Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional survey.docx

BackgroundDietary supplement use is widespread among physically active adults; however, the determinants of this behavior remain insufficiently understood, particularly within the Saudi context. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of dietary supplement use and its associations with physical activity, demographic, and behavioral characteristics among adults in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 755 physically active adults. Data were collected on physical characteristics (weight, height, and BMI), demographic characteristics (age, gender, marital status, employment, income, and education), and behavioral characteristics (training frequency and motivation). Differences between supplement users and non-users were assessed using independent-samples t-tests, two-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey’s tests, and chi-square tests. Effect sizes were reported as Cohen’s d, η2, and Cramer’s V, respectively.
ResultsAmong the 755 participants, 505 (66.9%) reported using dietary supplements, including 250 males (65.96%) and 255 females (67.82%). No significant differences were observed between users and non-users in age, weight, height, or BMI (t = 0.32–1.68, p = 0.093–0.975, d = 0.02–0.19). ANOVA confirmed sex-related differences in height and weight (η2 = 0.20–0.47) and minor differences in BMI (η2 = 0.02), with female supplement users being younger and male users having slightly higher BMIs. Supplement use was significantly associated with body type (V = 0.12), occupation (V = 0.41), and education (V = 0.21), but not income. Male supplement users exercised more than four times per week (64.4%), significantly higher than female users (42.9%) (χ2 = 71.18, p < 0.001, V = 0.31), whereas training motivations did not differ across sex × supplement use groups (χ2 = 20.49, p = 0.154, V = 0.16).
ConclusionDietary supplement use is common among physically active adults in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and is largely unaffected by basic anthropometric or demographic factors. However, it is shaped by sex-specific exercise patterns and educational and occupational contexts, highlighting the need for targeted public health efforts to promote safe, informed supplement use through improved regulation and education.