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

Background: Little is known about how many dyspeptics in the population con sult medical and non-medical practitioners, or the factors associated with various consulting patterns. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 748 Australians with dyspepsia investi gated their age, sex, dyspepsia symptoms, medical and non-medical consultat ions, and health status on the SF-12. Results: Overall, 56% had ever consulted a medical practitioner for dyspeps ia. 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) wer e 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 pr actitioners (7%, group N) were younger and had better physical, but poorer mental health. Dyspeptics consulting both medical and non-medical practitio ners (22%, group M + N), were older, more dissatisfied with medical care, h ad more symptoms and poorer physical and mental health. Timing of medical c onsultations was similar in groups M and M + N. Group M + N dyspeptics cons ulted similar types, but more non-medical practitioners than group N. No se x 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 as sociated with poor mental health. Dyspeptics seeking advice from both medic al and non-medical practitioners are less satisfied with their medical mana gement than those who only consult doctors for their dyspepsia.