| dc.description.abstract | Functional foods and nutraceuticals (FFN) play an important role in adults’ health
by preventing and reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCD). This
cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate knowledge, attitude, and behaviour
(KAB) towards the consumption of FFN by Sri Lankan adults. The study sample
comprised of 441 adults above 20y of age living in Sri Lanka. A pre-tested online
questionnaire was used for data collection and was analysed using SPSS 23 and
AMOS software. Out of the participants, 60% were female and 74% were in 20 –
29y age category. Significant relationships were observed between knowledge and
attitude (p<0.01), knowledge and behaviour (p=0.004), and behaviour and FFN
consumption (p=0.003). District of residence, education level, income, and use of
medications for NCDs, significantly affected to the knowledge of FFN consumption.
However, the above socio-demographic factors did not significantly affect towards
attitude or behaviour. Gender and age did not significantly affect the KAB towards
FFN. Average scores of knowledge, attitude, and behaviour were 72,72, and 71%,
respectively. More than 50% of the respondents consumed plant-based functional
foods, fruits and vegetables, and functional beverages at moderate levels while
their nutraceutical consumption was inadequate. Vegetable curries, black tea,
green leaves, dhal, and unpolished rice were identified as the top five foods
consumed daily. In conclusion, knowledge of FFN affects the attitude and behaviour
towards FFN consumption. Socio-demographic factors are associated with the
knowledge of FFN consumption. It is required to make people aware of the health
benefits of FFN and encourage FFN consumption. | en_US |
