512 Prevalence of Naturopath and Herbalist Consultation in Patients With Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Complementary and alternative medicine are commonly used by patients with gastrointestinal symptoms often in conjunction with a naturopath or herbalist provider. It is unknown how often patients seen in gastroenterology clinic also consult with a naturopath or herbalist provider, what diagnoses patients are subsequently given, and how this affects management of their gastrointestinal symptoms. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of naturopath and herbalist co-management, and details of this alternative medical care, in patients seen in gastroenterology clinic. METHODS: An optional survey was administered to patients attending gastroenterology clinic at a county hospital. The study period was January to May of 2019. The survey queried subjects on consultation with a naturopath or herbalist, which symptoms prompted this consultation, and what diagnoses and management recommendations were subsequently received. Patients unable to consent or those who did not demonstrate proficiency with written English language were excluded. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics using Excel (Version 16.23). Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. RESULTS: A total of 60 subjects completed the survey. Forty-nine (82%) respondents were female, and median age was 43-years-old. Twelve (20%) subjects reported consultation with a naturopath or herbalist in the past year for gastrointestinal symptoms. The majority of these subjects were female (92%). The most common symptoms prompting referral were abdominal pain, nausea and constipation, but numerous other symptoms were also reported (see Figure 1). The most common diagnoses given to subjects were irritable bowel syndrome, food allergies, leaky gut and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (25% for each diagnosis). Seven (58%) subjects reported receipt of herbal medications following consultation. CONCLUSION: One-fifth of subjects referred to gastroenterology clinic had also consulted with a naturopath or herbalist. A wide variety of gastrointestinal symptoms prompted these consultations, and more than half of subjects received treatment with herbal medications.