DETERMINATION OF THE USE OF HERBAL PRODUCTS AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS HEALTHY EATING IN PATIENTS WITH DIGESTIVE SYSTEM DISEASES

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the use of herbal products and attitudes toward healthy eating among individuals with digestive system diseases. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 215 patients hospitalized in internal medicine-gastroenterology wards. Data on demographics, medical history, herbal product use, and attitudes toward healthy eating were collected using a questionnaire and the Attitude Scale Toward Healthy Eating. Findings: Among participants, % 36.3 reported bloating as the most common digestive issue. Herbal products were used by % 65.1, with mineral water (% 55.4) and Turkish coffee (% 27.7) being the most common. The mean healthy eating attitude score was 66.07 ± 8.38, indicating moderate positive attitudes. Scores varied based on factors such as digestive problems, meal regularity, eating speed, and frequency of herbal product use, but not on herbal product use itself. Conclusion and Recommendations: While herbal product use was common, it did not directly influence attitudes toward healthy eating. Dietary habits and digestive health had a greater impact on these attitudes. Future studies should delve deeper into the relationship between herbal product use and dietary habits, and further research is recommended on the efficacy and safety of herbal products for improving digestive health.