[Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux and its related factors in Sanandaj, 2014-2015]

Background and Aim: Gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD] is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases and its prevalence rate in various countries, including Iran has been on the rise. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors and prevalence rate of this disease in Sanandaj

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive, analytical study, 430 people were selected via random cluster sampling. Data were collected by carrying out interviews with the participants from May 2014 to June 2015. Using a questionnaire, we recorded data about the demographic characteristics, symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and risk factors for the disease. Then, we measured and recorded the participants' blood pressure, height, weight, and BMI. People who had experienced episodes of mild symptoms of heartburn for two days or more in a week or experienced moderate to severe symptoms for more than once in a week were regarded as cases of reflux. Data analysis was performed by using STATA-11 software

Results: From 410 patients, 41% were male and 59% [241 persons] were female with the mean age of 37.75 years. The prevalence rate of gastroesophageal reflux in the study population was 30%. We found no statistically significant difference between the patients and healthy individuals in relation to the risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux

Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of GERD in Sanandaj, it is of great importance to provide necessary training about the risk factors, prevention, and appropriate treatment of the disease for the public

[Epidemiological study of irritable bowel syndrome and its related factors in Sanandaj from 2013 to 2014: a population-based study]

Background and Aim: irritable bowel syndrome is a common gastrointestinal disease which is characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome and its related factors in the general population in Sanandaj in 2013-2014

Materials and Methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted in Sanandaj for a period of 12 months, from the summer of 2013 to the summer of 2014. Considering the design effect, a population sample of 430 were selected via random cluster sampling method. ROME III criteria were used for diagnosis of IBS. Logistic regression was used to accomplish the qualitative objectives and multivariate analysis for categorical variables. We used STATA11 software for statistical analysis

Results: we found a prevalence rate of 10.63% for irritable bowel syndrome in the general population in Sanandaj. Concerning gender distribution, the prevalence rates were 11.5% and 9.96% for males and females respectively, which had no statistically significant difference [OR=1.184, 95% CI=0.574 - 2.439]. Although the disease was more prevalent in the patients between 30-40 years of age compared to other age groups, this difference was not statistically significant [OR=0.679, 0.95 CI=0.189, 2.441]

Conclusion: the results of this study showed that the prevalence rate of IBS was higher in Sanandaj city in comparison to other parts of Iran, which can be related to several factors such as diet and lifestyle. Because of the high prevalence of IBS in Sanandaj, we recommend further studies for identification of the causes of this disorder and its exacerbating factors in this city