Reasons Why Herbal Users Do or Do Not Tell Their Physicians about Their Use: A Survey of Adult Ohio Residents

Abstract

Background: Several studies have reported lack of patient–physician communication regarding herbal use. However, reasons for this lack of communication are not well understood. Objective: To determine, explore, and identify reasons for lack of patient–physician communication about herbal use. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, a systematic sample of 1,000 adult Ohio residents was surveyed through a 29 item questionnaire. Survey items were adapted from earlier instruments evaluating complementary and alternative use. Descriptive and univariate statistics were run using SPSS version 10.0. Results: Of 210 usable responses, almost half (47.6%) of the participants reported that they were either currently using herbal products or had used them in the past, with 1 in 16 using herbal products daily. Forty-eight percent of these respondents indicated that they had never had a discussion with their physician about using herbal medicines. A similar percentage (45%) of individuals using herbal agents had not told their physicians about any of the products they used. The top 3 reasons for informing physicians of herbal use were that the physician needs to be aware of all of the products used, the physician may know whether herbals work, and the physician understands the interactions of herbals with prescribed drugs. The main reason that patients did not supply the information was that the physician did not ask them about it. Conclusions: Many patients do not inform their physicians about their use of herbal products unless asked. Physicians and other healthcare providers should therefore integrate inquiry about herbal product use as part of medication history.