Survey Finds Many Americans Misunderstand, Live with Symptoms of GI Disorders

A national survey released by Oshi Health highlights the role of stigma and normalization of digestive symptoms as significant barriers to timely gastrointestinal (GI) care, with results revealing direct implications for primary care physicians who are often the first point of contact for patients with undiagnosed GI conditions.

Conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of Oshi Health between January 22 and 26, 2026, the survey of 2091 US adults found 1 in 2 Americans (50%) report either a confirmed GI diagnosis or a suspicion that they have a GI condition without a formal diagnosis.¹ Despite this, more than half of respondents (52%) believe common digestive symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, and reflux, are simply a normal part of life.¹

"These findings highlight the harmful consequences of stigma and misinformation surrounding gut health," said Sameer Berry, MD, MBAchief medical officer at Oshi Health. "When people normalize disruptive symptoms or avoid conversations out of embarrassment, they risk delayed diagnoses, ongoing discomfort, and worsening conditions. It’s a cycle of unnecessary suffering that can and should be broken."

National Survey Captures Scope of GI Stigma in Adult Patients

The survey was conducted as a cross-sectional, nationally representative online poll among US adults 18 years and older, with a Bayesian credible interval of ±2.5 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.¹ It was not a clinical or epidemiological study; rather, it was designed to assess self-reported health behaviors, attitudes, and comfort levels surrounding digestive health communication.

Among the most clinically relevant findings: fewer than half of respondents (45%) reported feeling very comfortable discussing bowel habits with a healthcare provider.¹ More than 1 in 3 Americans (35%) said they frequently turn to the internet or social media to manage GI symptoms because they are too embarrassed to raise the topic in a clinical encounter.¹ The survey also found 71% of adults would prefer an unpleasant activity — such as sitting in traffic (45%) or filing taxes (35%) — over discussing bowel habits in a social setting.¹

Age and gender differences were also observed. Men were more likely than women to report being comfortable discussing bowel habits with both a romantic partner (40% vs 34%) and AI-based health tools (37% vs 26%).¹ Adults between the ages of 18 and 54 were more likely to report comfort discussing the topic with a healthcare provider (48%) compared with those aged 65 and older (37%).¹ Additionally, 43% of adults aged 18 to 44 reported being comfortable using AI tools to discuss GI symptoms, compared with just 22% of those aged 45 and older.¹

Symptom Normalization May Delay Diagnosis, Survey Suggests

The gap between symptom burden and formal diagnosis is notable. While similar proportions of younger adults (18–44) and older adults (65+ years) suspected they had an undiagnosed GI condition (44% vs 42%, respectively), younger adults were more likely to have received an actual diagnosis (33% vs 21%).¹ Whether this gap reflects greater health-seeking behavior in younger cohorts, differential access to care, or underdiagnosis in older adults warrants further investigation.

The economic burden associated with these delayed or absent diagnoses is substantial. Digestive disorders cost the US health care system more than $118 billion annually — surpassing the economic toll of heart disease, trauma, and mental health conditions, according to data cited in the report.¹ GI distress has also been identified as the leading cause of avoidable emergency department visits and the second leading cause of workplace absenteeism.¹

References:

1. The Oshi Editorial Team. A dangerous disconnect: Americans are embarrassed to talk about poop—despite what it may reveal about their gut health - Oshi Health. Oshi Health. Published March 5, 2026. Accessed March 10, 2026. https://oshihealth.com/lets-talk-poop-survey/

2. Oshi Health. New Report, “Let’s Talk Poop: Digestive Health, Denial, and the Cost of Staying Quiet,” Reveals Widespread Digestive Health Issues Accompanied By Stigma and Embarrassment. GlobeNewswire News Room. Published March 10, 2026. Accessed March 10, 2026. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/03/10/3252729/0/en/New-Report-Let-s-Talk-Poop-Digestive-Health-Denial-and-the-Cost-of-Staying-Quiet-Reveals-Widespread-Digestive-Health-Issues-Accompanied-By-Stigma-and-Embarrassment.html