IMPACT OF PROBIOTIC ON GUT HEALTH OF ADULT RESIDENTS IN BOLUWADURO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OSUN STATE
Abstract
Probiotics are live microorganisms, often called "good bacteria," that help keep the gut healthy. They are commonly found in foods like yogurt, fermented products, and dietary supplements. Awareness about probiotics and their benefits is low among adult population in Nigeria. Many adults are unfamiliar with the concept of "good bacteria" and their role in gut health, limiting their willingness to include probiotics in their diet. This study investigated the impact of probiotic on Gut health of Adult Residents in Boluwaduro Local Government Area, Osun State. Specifically, the study examined (i) if improved digestive function (ii) strengthening of gut lining (iii) strengthened immune system and (iv) management of gastrointestinal disorder will be an impact of probiotic on gut health of adult residents in Boluwaduro Local Government Area, Osun State.
A descriptive research of the survey type was adopted. The population of the study comprised of all residents of Irepodun Local Government, Kwara State. Two hundred and forty-four (244) respondents were sampled for the study. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire which was validated by three experts and tested for reliability that yielded a correlation reliability coefficient of 0.85 r and consider that the instrument is reliable. Percentage and Chi-square statistics were employed for data analysis at 0.05 level of significance.
The findings of the study were that;
1. improved digestive function is significantly an impact of probiotic on gut health of adult residents (Cal. ᵪ2 val. 137.639 > Crit. ᵪ2 val. 16.92 with df 9 @ 0.05 alpha level).
2. strengthening of gut lining is significantly an impact of probiotic on gut health of adult residents (Cal. ᵪ2 val. 192.770 > Crit. ᵪ2 val. 16.92 with df 9 @ 0.05 alpha level).
3. strengthened immune system is significantly an impact of probiotic on gut health of adult residents (Cal. ᵪ2 val. 279.607 > Crit. ᵪ2 val. 16.92 with df 9 @ 0.05 alpha level).
4. management of gastrointestinal disorder is significantly an impact of probiotic on gut health of adult residents (Cal. ᵪ2 val. 192.279 > Crit. ᵪ2 val. 16.92 with df 9 @ 0.05 alpha level).
The study concluded that improved digestive function, strengthening of gut lining, strengthened immune system and management of gastrointestinal disorder are impacts of probiotic on gut health of adult residents in Boluwaduro, Local Government Area Osun State. It was recommended that health practitioners and nutritionists in Boluwaduro Local Government Area should promote the regular consumption of probiotic-rich foods (such as yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables) and supplements among adults to enhance digestive efficiency and overall gut health. Public health campaigns should educate adult residents on the importance of maintaining a healthy gut barrier through consistent probiotic intake, while also encouraging diets rich in fiber and prebiotics to support probiotic function and gut lining integrity.
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