title: Consumer demographics and expectations of probiotic therapy in New Zealand: results of a large telephone survey.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Knowledge regarding the possible health benefits of probiotic preparations has been increasing, but clinical trials have largely produced non-significant results. In contrast, the open market for probiotics is expanding worldwide despite little research of consumer characteristics.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to survey the availability of probiotic preparations, the recommendation patterns of general practitioners (GP) and the characteristics of consumers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pharmacies were visited and the types of probiotic supplements were reviewed. A telephone survey was conducted to identify and characterise users and non-users. A questionnaire was sent to GPs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found 31 probiotic products containing 16 different strains of bacteria. The majority of GPs were unable to clearly define a probiotic. Of 1512 random phone numbers called, 873 were answered. The prevalence of probiotic use was 25.4% of respondents. More females than males had ever used probiotics (30.6% vs 17.2%; p<0.0001). The highest rate of use was found in those with tertiary qualifications (34.2%; p<0.001). Of users, 75.2% said they had used probiotics on a recommendation, 80.5% of non-users said they would consider taking a probiotic if it was recommended by the GP. Probiotics were mainly used alongside antibiotic treatment (23%) and gastrointestinal disorders (27.5%). Significantly more users than non-users believed in the benefits of probiotic without concern for possible side effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The majority of participants would consider taking a probiotic if it was recommended by their GP, but GPs exhibited a lack of knowledge in the use and indications for probiotic therapy. There was a general lack of concern regarding potential side-effects.
authors.affiliation: University of Otago, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Medicine Section, PO Box 913, Dunedin, New Zealand. michael.schultz@stonebow.otago.ac.nz
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schultz
authors.forename: Achmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Baranchi
authors.forename: Lynda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Thurston
authors.forename: Yu Ching
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Lily
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Jonothan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sapsford
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: Maysa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Binsadiq
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Craig
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wilkins
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McBride
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Herbison
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D058005:General Practitioners; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019936:Probiotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013689:Telephone