Probiotic knowledge of adults with cystic fibrosis is limited but is associated with probiotic use: A cross-sectional survey study

Probiotics are used by people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and other chronic diseases to manage gastrointestinal symptoms. To describe probiotic knowledge; its relationship with probiotic use, probiotic information sources and factors influencing choice in adults with CF and a general population control group. A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted in adults with CF (n = 205) and Controls (n = 158). Probiotic knowledge was compared between CF and Controls using a knowledge score (maximum 5) based on predefined criteria: (1a) bacteria/microorganism; (1b) live; (2a) administered; (2b) adequate dose and (3) health benefit, using independent samples t-test. Two-way analysis of variance explored knowledge scores between CF and Control and between and groups. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests compared knowledge criterion, probiotic sources and influences on probiotic choice between groups. Thematic analysis of open-text responses explored probiotic-related knowledge and influences on probiotic decision making. Knowledge scores (mean ± SD) did not differ between CF (1.70 ± 1.12) and Controls (1.89 ± 0.99), = 0.13. Probiotic use was associated with knowledge score (