Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Gut Microbiota and Probiotics Among Ecuadorian Medical Students

Background/Objectives: The gut microbiota is fundamental to human health. Probiotics are key interventions for modulating microbial balance, requiring future healthcare professionals to understand these concepts. Evidence evaluating the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of medical students in Ecuador is limited. This study assessed these aspects among students in Greater Guayaquil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a university in Samborondón between August and November 2025. A previously published questionnaire was used to collect data on microbiota and probiotic knowledge, attitudes, and personal practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable regression. Results: Among 382 participants, the mean knowledge score was 22.76 ± 9.1 out of 44 (52.7%). Higher scores were associated with advanced academic standing and prior formal instruction. Significant gaps were observed in probiotic safety and microbiota-drug interactions. Attitudes were positive (median 10/16), with strong support for enhanced training. Probiotic use was common, though uncertainty about product composition and administration persisted. Conclusions: Medical students possess moderate yet uneven knowledge of microbiota and probiotics, alongside positive attitudes. These findings suggest the need for greater emphasis on microbiota science, probiotic safety, and drug interactions within medical curricula.