Factors associated with consulting medical or non‐medical practitioners for dyspepsia: an Australian population‐based study

• Published in: Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics 2000-12, Vol.14 (12), p.1581-1588
• Main Authors: Westbrook, J. I., Mcintosh, J., Talley, N. J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Australia; Biological and medical sciences; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dyspepsia - therapy; Female; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Health Status; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Other diseases. Semiology; Patient Satisfaction; Referral and Consultation; Stomach. Duodenum. Small intestine. Colon. Rectum. Anus
• ISSN: 0269-2813; 1365-2036
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2000.00878.x

Background: Little is known about how many dyspeptics in the population consult medical and non‐medical practitioners, or the factors associated with various consulting patterns. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey of 748 Australians with dyspepsia investigated their age, sex, dyspepsia symptoms, medical and non‐medical consultations, and health status on the SF‐12. Results: Overall, 56% had ever consulted a medical practitioner for dyspepsia. Of these, 54% consulted within 6 months of first symptoms. Non‐medical practitioners were consulted by 29%. Compared to dyspeptics in all, or most, other consulting groups, subjects who did not consult (37%, group NO) were characterized by fewer symptoms, better physical health, and younger age. Those who only consulted doctors (34%, group M) were older and had better mental, but poorer physical health. Those who only consulted non‐medical practitioners (7%, group N) were younger and had better physical, but poorer mental health. Dyspeptics consulting both medical and non‐medical practitioners (22%, group M + N), were older, more dissatisfied with medical care, had more symptoms and poorer physical and mental health. Timing of medical consultations was similar in groups M and M + N. Group M + N dyspeptics consulted similar types, but more non‐medical practitioners than group N. No sex differences were found in consulting behaviour. Conclusions: Many dyspeptics do not consult; they have fewer symptoms than consulters. Consultation with non‐medical practitioners is common and is associated with poor mental health. Dyspeptics seeking advice from both medical and non‐medical practitioners are less satisfied with their medical management than those who only consult doctors for their dyspepsia.