Knowledge and Opinion of Gastroenterologists in the Use of Homeopathy in Gastrointestinal Conditions

Abstract

Introduction: Homeopathy is a therapeutic modality of bioenergetic and naturalist medicine.

Objective: To identify the knowledge and opinions of gastroenterologists on the use of homeopathy in gastrointestinal disorders.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the General Hospital "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" of Santiago de Cuba province during the months of May to June 2022. Twenty-four gastroenterology specialists who gave their consent to participate were included. A survey with 12 questions was prepared. Percentage and absolute number were used as summary measures.

Results: All 24 gastroenterology specialists responded. 75 % were female, 45.9 % were between 30 and 39 years of age, 54.3 % between 2 and 6 years post-graduation. The 58.4 % of the respondents had not received any courses or training and 62.7 % would be interested in receiving training courses. 50, 2 % sometimes used homeopathy, 25 % knew its principles, 54,3 % sometimes considered it effective; 66,6 % used it for any gastrointestinal condition, 41,6 % would use it almost always if they had adequate training and 62,7 % considered that lack of knowledge was the reason why homeopathy is poorly valued by medical professionals.

Conclusions: The opinion that exists regarding homeopathy is favorable. It is considered another therapeutic tool, as valid as conventional drugs. Insufficiencies were identified in the knowledge of the principles that define it. Gastroenterologists recognize that with more training they would be willing to use it.