Naturopathic practitioners’ approach to caring for people with cardiovascular disease risk factors: A cross-cultural cross-sectional study reporting the providers perspective

Abstract

Backgroundand purpose: Naturopathic practitioners (NPs) in the United States (US) and Australia are consulted for the prevention and management of a range of health conditions, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite this, little is known about how NPs approach the management of CVD risk factors. The aim of this study was to explore NPs approach to the care of people with CVD risk factors. Materials and methodsIn 2018, Australian and US NPs were recruited via professional representative organisations. A survey was developed containing four domains; naturopathic approaches to the clinical management of CVD risk factors, communication and sharing of information; professional-client relationship factors; and demographic information. The data analysis was conducted using the appropriate statistical tests. ResultsA total of 151 NPs completed the survey (Australia n = 75, US n = 76). NPs reported employing dietary, and multiple behavioural and natural product interventions to treat CVD risk factors. The most frequently recommended products by US and Australian NPs were fish oils (87%), magnesium (83%) and coenzyme Q10 (87%). Differences in what US and Australian NPs recommended were identified. NPs reported limited communication with medical doctors about their clients. NPs placed high importance on the relationship quality with their clients. ConclusionUS and Australian NPs represent an aspect of primary care and disease prevention that warrants further research that evaluates the potential risks and benefits of NP care, and challenges and opportunities associated with NPs integration into the healthcare systems, for populations with CVD risk factors.