**Research Recruitment: Gastrointestinal Relief Properties of Propolis**

by Andrew Haffelder
(Connecticut, USA)

Dear participants of this forum,

My name is Andrew Haffelder, I am a Dietetic Intern pursuing a Master of Science degree in Nutrition at the University of Saint Joseph located in Connecticut, USA. You are invited to participate in a brief online survey regarding propolis supplementation and its effect on bowel/abdominal complications. This survey is completely anonymous and voluntary. The survey is comprised of three sections. The first section utilizes multiple-choice/short answer questions to gather anthropometric, demographic, health related, and propolis related data. The second section contains a modified version of the Patient Health Questionnaire – 9 (PHQ-9) form which consists of all multiple-choice questions and is included to understand the impact bowel/abdominal complications have on your mental health. The third section contains a modified version of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Quality of Life Measure (IBS-QOL) form which consists of all multiple-choice answers and is included to understand the impact bowel/abdominal complications have on your outlook on life. The survey in total takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.

Eligibility:

•To be eligible for this survey you must first classify under Rome IV criteria for any of the following diagnosis:
o Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Subtypes:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Constipation (IBS-C)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Mixed (IBS-M)
o Functional Constipation
o Functional Abdominal Bloating/Distension
o Opioid-Induced Constipation
o Centrally Mediated Abdominal Pain Syndrome
o Narcotic Bowel Syndrome/Opioid-induced GI Hyperalgesia
*To see if you qualify for any of the above complications, follow this link to the Rome IV Foundation’s website to view the requirements: https://theromefoundation.org/rome-iv/rome-iv-criteria/
**Above listed diagnoses are found under sections “C. Bowel Disorders” and “D. Centrally Mediated Disorders of GI Pain”.

• Have consumed a form of Propolis supplementation at least once in your lifetime.
• Not allergic to bees or bee products.
• Above the age of 18.
• Do not have a history of a major GI surgery (ex. Billroth's operation, having an ostomy, any resection of any part of the digestive tract).
• Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

This research tests a relatively new idea in the field of bowel/abdominal complication treatment which is why your participation in this survey could be the deciding factor that solidifies Propolis use as a treatment option for said complications. Your participation and input are extremely valuable, however, whether you decide now, or halfway through the survey, that you would not like to participate, this will not negatively impact your future relations with the University of Saint Joseph in any way. There will be no negative consequences if you decide to withdraw from the study.
If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact myself, Andrew Haffelder (920-723-610; AHaffelder@usj.edu) and/or Kaneen Gomez-Hixson (860-231-5507; kgomezhixson@usj.edu)

Thank you so very much for your time! Remember you are making a difference.

Below is the link to the survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VNTBVHR