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Prevalence of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease in Spain and associated factors
Author(s) -
PONCE J.,
VEGAZO O.,
BELTRÁN B.,
JIMÉNEZ J.,
ZAPARDIEL J.,
CALLE D.,
PIQUÉ J. M.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2006.02733.x
Subject(s) - gerd , medicine , heartburn , body mass index , reflux , gastroenterology , epidemiology , odds ratio , risk factor , population , gastro , logistic regression , cross sectional study , disease , pathology , environmental health
Summary Background The prevalence of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), has not been characterized in Spain. Aim To measure the prevalence of GERD in Spain, and the factors associated with it, by means of a primary care‐based study. Methods An epidemiological, multicentre, cross‐sectional, population‐based study. A self‐administered questionnaire was sent out to randomly selected patients. Data were statistically analysed to provide the prevalence of GERD and to compare it with that of gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms. Factors associated with GERD were studied using logistic regression models. Results The response rate was 45%. The prevalence of GERD was 15% (95% CI: 13.2–16.2). When compared with gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms patients, those with GERD experienced more intense symptoms (moderate–severe: 35% vs. 8%, P < 0.001) and suffered heartburn more frequently both at day and night (48% vs. 25%, P < 0.001) and for longer period of times (69% vs. 62%, P = 0.057). A body mass index of >25% (odds ratio: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.03–1.11) was the only independent variable associated with GERD. The risk of suffering GERD increases by 7% for each kg/m 2 that the body mass index increases. Conclusions The prevalence of GERD among the Spanish population is 15%. Body mass index is the only risk factor significantly associated with GERD.