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Epidemiological study of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease: reflux in spouse as a risk factor
Author(s) -
NASSERIMOGHADDAM S.,
MOFID A.,
GHOTBI M.H.,
RAZJOUYAN H.,
NOURAIE M.,
RAMARD A.R.,
ZAERREZAIE H.,
HABIBI R.,
RAFATZAND K.,
MALEKZADEH R.
Publication year - 2008
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.1365-2036.2008.03708.x
Subject(s) - gerd , medicine , spouse , reflux , epidemiology , risk factor , first degree relatives , population , disease , family history , gastroenterology , gastro , environmental health , sociology , anthropology
Summary Background Gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a growing health‐care problem with variable distribution. Aim To assess GERD prevalence and risk factors and their possible correlation with pathophysiology in a population‐based study. Methods Individuals aged 18–65 years were enrolled through random cluster sampling in Tehran. Previously validated self‐administered questionnaires were used. Results Of the 2500 questionnaires, 2057 were analysed (mean age: 34.8 ± 13.0 years, 55.1% female). Frequent GERD was seen in 18.2%. Minor symptoms increased prevalence. Female gender (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.01–2.41), BMI >30 kg/m 2 (OR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.03–3.12), less education (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.02–2.27), smoking (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.12–2.99), NSAID use (OR: 4.23, 95% CI: 1.66–10.74) and GERD in spouse (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.18–2.82) were associated with frequent GERD on multivariable analysis. GERD in first‐degree relatives (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.23–2.43) and asthma (OR: 4.09, 95% CI: 1.27–13.15) correlated with infrequent GERD. Minor symptoms correlated with GERD history in first‐degree relatives, coffee consumption and NSAID use. Prevalence in the past 3 months was similar to that in the past 12 months ( P < 0.05). Conclusions Gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease is common in Tehran. The association of ‘infrequent symptoms’ with GERD history in first‐degree relatives and ‘frequent symptoms’ with GERD history in spouse may point to the presence of yet unknown precipitating environmental factors inducing GERD in a genetically susceptible host. Minor GERD symptoms seem to have independent contribution to GERD. Assessing GERD in the past 3 months predicts prevalence in the past year.