Determinants of Dietary Supplement Consumption Among International Students in the University of Debrecen: Integrating Social Media Usage and Health Consciousness into the Theory of Planned Behavior

Abrar Ghaith; Omar Salem

doi:10.18096/TMP.2025.01.01

Authors

Abrar Ghaith University of Debrecen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0370-759X
Omar Salem University of Debrecen https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1789-578X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18096/TMP.2025.01.01

Keywords:

Dietary supplements, international students, theory of planned behavior, University of Debrecen, Hungary

Abstract

Dietary supplements are popular globally and may be more susceptible due to specific challenges encountered abroad. This study looks at the factors affecting their consumption at the University of Debrecen using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB).

An online cross-sectional survey design measuring attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, health consciousness, social media usage, and intention to purchase dietary supplements was used. 320 international students provided data online for convenience sampling.

Due to social media use, health consciousness, and subjective norms, international students typically had positive attitudes regarding dietary supplements. A sense of behavioral control suggested self-assurance in acquiring and ingesting supplements.

The findings emphasized the significance of social media usage, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and health consciousness in influencing purchase intentions. The results offer guidance for creating focused interventions that support responsible and well-informed supplement use.

Author Biographies

Abrar Ghaith, University of Debrecen

PhD student, Faculty of Economics and Business, Institute of Marketing and Trade

Omar Salem, University of Debrecen

PhD student

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