United States: knowledge and behaviors about microbiota 2023 results

1. Americans show less awareness than citizens of other countries about their microbiota, but not about probiotics...

For example, they are the least familiar with the terms “microbiota” (only 53% vs. 64% overall), “gut microbiota” (42% vs. 53% overall), and “dysbiosis” (only 20% vs. 28% overall). On the other hand, while their awareness about probiotics is not high, it is better than in many countries: they beat the average when it comes to knowing the precise meaning of terms like “probiotic” (53% vs. 43% overall) and “prebiotic” (36% vs. 27% overall).

2. They have a very low awareness of the various behaviors that should be adopted...

but are more likely than citizens of other countries to know that probiotics (65% vs. 62% overall) and prebiotics (56% vs. 51% overall) can have beneficial effects on the microbiota.

3. However, Americans are also the least likely to have adopted specific behaviors to preserve the balance of their microbiota...

with only 47% having done so (10 points below the overall figure and the lowest level along with the French) and only 16% claiming to do so “a lot” (1 point above the overall figure).

4. Moreover, Americans are among the least likely to discuss the matter with their doctor...

Only 37% declare they have ever been prescribed probiotics or prebiotics (versus 46% overall). However, this is more than in France, Spain, or Portugal. They are also the least likely, along with the French, to say that their doctor has explained the behaviors needed to preserve their microbiota (31% vs. 44% overall). Lastly, only 1 in 4 Americans has ever had the role of their microbiota explained to them (28% vs. 37% overall). Only 1 in 5 report that their doctor suggested them to have their microbiota tested (21% vs. 30% overall).

Methodology

The Ipsos Panel conducted a major online international survey involving 6,500 individuals, surveyed between March 21 and April 7, 2023 in 7 countries: the United States, Brazil, Mexico, France, Portugal, Spain and China.

Data was collected using the quota method, which is the most commonly used sampling plan for obtaining a representative sample of a study population. The quota variables for each country were:

• gender
• age
• region
• socio-professional category

The survey population included 48% men and 52% women. The average age was 46.9 years. The sample of 6,500 individuals allowed a detailed analysis by age group: 18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-59, 60 and over.

The 26-question included:

• socio-demographic data
• assessment of knowledge of the microbiota
• the level of and desire for information from healthcare professionals
• identification and adoption of behaviors aimed at combating microbiota imbalance
• women’s level of knowledge, information and behavior with regard to the vulvovaginal microbiota
• health data

BMI-23.25