The use of herbal and other natural therapies in gastrointestinal diseases "A retrospective survey study"

A questionnaire was conducted to investigate the prevalence, reasons and effects of herbal and other natural therapies used by 115 outpatient gastrointestinal patients (mean age: 46 ± 14,9 years, M/F= 39/76) visited the gastroenterology department of the private clinic in İstanbul, Asian Side. In addition, determination of information source and declaration to healthcare professionals related to the herbal and other natural therapies, and reasons why not declare their usage to the healthcare professionals were investigated. SPSS 15.0 Windows was used for statistical analysis. There is a statistical difference between the usage rates of male and female gender (p<0.05). It was concluded there is significant difference between the usage of these therapies and applied medical treatment (p<0.05). 76% of nonusers were taken drug treatment. There is a significant correlation between the main reasons of tendency to these therapies and applied medical treatment (p<0.05). There is a significant correlation between where they obtained and what they considered while selecting these products (p<0.05). Between degree of belief in these therapies and usage rates there is a statistical difference (p<0.05). There is a statistical difference between applied medical treatment and why they did not use these therapies (p<0.05). According to the analysis, fennel, bitter melon in olive oil and probiotics are the most used herbal and natural products. The necessity that patients should be informed about correct usage and potential effects of these therapies and their consciousness about the requirement of declaration their usage to the healthcare professionals was showed one more time.