Dietary Fiber Consumption Patterns and their Association with Self-Reported Health Outcomes
A Survey in Misrata City
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65540/msveas57Keywords:
Dietary fiber, dietary patterns, gastrointestinal health, constipation, bloatingAbstract
Dietary fiber is an important component of a healthy diet and plays a key role in gastrointestinal function and overall health. However, fiber consumption patterns and their relationship with gastrointestinal outcomes remain insufficiently studied in Libya. This study aimed to assess dietary fiber consumption patterns and examine their associations with selected self-reported health outcomes among adults in Misrata City, Libya.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults in Misrata City using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, dietary fiber sources, consumption patterns, and self-reported gastrointestinal and health outcomes. The final dataset included 234 participants. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to examine associations between categorical variables, while the Mann–Whitney U test compared body weight according to self-reported irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) diagnosis. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
The study showed variation in reported dietary fiber sources and gastrointestinal responses to high-fiber meals. No statistically significant association was found between the examined categorical variables (χ²(3) = 4.994, p = 0.172). Body weight also did not differ significantly between participants with and without self-reported IBS (U = 3903.50, p = 0.649).
No significant associations were identified in the examined analyses. Further studies with larger samples, quantitative dietary fiber assessment, and objective clinical measures are recommended to clarify the relationship between fiber consumption and health outcomes in the Libyan population.
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