KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AND CONSUMER BEHAVIOR OF GLUTATHIONE PRODUCTS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

Glutathione is an antioxidant components found in human bodies and also found in vegetables and fruits. Moreover, glutathione has been over-claimed its properties. Many products were mixed with glutathione for consuming. The objectives of this study were to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and consumer behavior of glutathione in the university students. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted by using the questionnaire. The participants were 387 university students by multi-stage sampling. Data were analyzed by statistical program.

Three hundred and eighty seven university students were willing to participate in this study. Most participants were females (71.8%), aged 18 - 20 year old (55.6%), income from the parents 4,001-5,000 bath per month (50.4%). The knowledge of glutathione and glutathione consumption were at the intermediate level. The attitude of glutathione consumption was at the intermediate level. The participants got the glutathione product information from sales representative or internet. The participants who consumed glutathione products chose as capsules by using 4 times/week for less than 6 months, with the cost not greater than 1,000 Thai Baht. The important reason of participants for consuming glutathione products due to skin lightening. The participants, 24.5%, stop to consume glutathione products because they want the body to rest. Findings suggested that health literacy especially supplementary products should be concerned.