European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety

This cross-sectional study assessed knowledge, attitude and practice regarding probiotic beverage consumption among consumers in Vijayapura District, Karnataka, and examined their associations with selected socio-demographic characteristics. A total of 100 adult consumers participated in the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising socio-demographic information and items related to knowledge, attitude and practice. Knowledge was assessed using 12 dichotomous items, attitude using 11 statements on a five-point Likert scale and practice using 8 dichotomous items. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise respondent characteristics and KAP levels. Independent-samples t-tests and one-way analysis of variance were used to compare KAP scores across socio-demographic groups, and Spearman’s rank correlation was applied to assess relationships among knowledge, attitude and practice scores. Most respondents were aged 18–25 years, female, from nuclear families and graduates or postgraduates. The mean knowledge, attitude and practice scores were 19.10 ± 3.28, 44.48 ± 5.25 and 13.00 ± 2.58, respectively. Average levels were observed for knowledge in 37% of respondents, attitude in 60% and practice in 52%. Respondents showed good general awareness of probiotic beverage benefits, although gaps were observed regarding strain differences, sugar content, product differentiation and storage requirements. Knowledge and practice scores were not significantly associated with socio-demographic variables. Attitude scores were significantly associated with occupation, monthly income and socio-economic status. Knowledge was positively correlated with attitude, and attitude was positively correlated with practice, whereas knowledge and practice showed a weak, non-significant relationship. Consumers exhibited moderate knowledge, positive attitudes and satisfactory practices regarding probiotic beverages, although important knowledge gaps remain. Attitude emerged as a key factor influencing probiotic beverage consumption practices. Therefore, targeted nutrition education programmes and improved product communication are recommended to enhance consumer awareness and promote informed consumption of probiotic beverages.