Healthcare professionals' knowledge of probiotics, prebiotics, and the gut microbiota – the city of Kénitra, Morocco: A pilot study

Abstract

Background In scientific literature, it is relatively rare to find information on healthcare professionals’ current knowledge of probiotics, prebiotics, and gut microbiota. Objective The aim of our study was to assess healthcare professionals’ knowledge of gut microbiota, probiotics, and prebiotics in the city of Kénitra, Morocco. Material and Methods The data was collected via an online questionnaire, which we distributed through social media. A total of 143 healthcare professionals (78.3% women and 21.7% men) responded to this questionnaire. The questionnaire concerned knowledge of probiotics and prebiotics. Results Most respondents rated their knowledge of probiotics, prebiotics, and gut microbiota as average (40%) or poor (39%), while others rated their knowledge as good (11%) and only 2% had very good knowledge, with the remainder (8%) having no knowledge. The correct definition of probiotics chose 67.1% of respondents, broken down as follows: 80.4% of general practitioners, 76.9% of specialists, and 57% of nurses. <i>Lactobacillus acidophilus</i> (65%) and <i>Bifidobacterium bifidum</i> (50.3%) are the two species best known to respondents as probiotic strains. Furthermore, the most popular prebiotic is fructooligosaccharide (51%), followed by galactooligosaccharide (42.7%) then inulin (36.4%) and finally betaglucan (14%). Among professionals 60.1% prescribed probiotics and/or prebiotics for diarrhea, followed by antibiotics (47.6%) then constipation (39.2%) and 21% of respondents recommended them for diabetes, 18.9% for obesity while only 3.5% used them for other pathologies. Conclusions This online survey revealed the current knowledge of healthcare professionals regarding probiotics, prebiotics and gut microbiota and highlights the importance of educating and training them through targeted learning programs.