prevalence of dyspepsia symptoms and its correlation with the quality of life among Qashqai Turkish migrating nomads in Fars Province, Southern Iran

To determine the prevalence of dyspepsia and its correlation with quality of life in Fars Qashqai Turkish migrating nomads from Southern Iran. During 2010 we enrolled 397 Qashqai migrating nomads from Southern Iran who were 25 years of age or older. Participants completed a questionnaire that consisted of demographic factors, lifestyle data, gastrointestinal symptoms, and the Short-Form 36 Health Survey [SF-36] questionnaire. There was a 48% prevalence of dyspepsia symptoms among participants. The prevalence was higher among females, those less than 35 years of age, married participants, and those with a low body mass index [BMI]. The correlation between dyspepsia and quality of life was significant. Dyspeptic patients were classified into ulcer-like [27.9%], dysmotility-like [26.2%], and unspecified [45.9%] groups. A significant correlation existed between dyspepsia symptoms and consumption of dairy products, drinking water and tea before and after meals, smoking, dysphagia, reflux, heartburn, and use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen. The high prevalence of dyspepsia in Qashqai nomads necessitates educational health programs for the migrating tribes in order to decrease prevalence of this disease

Correlation of quality of life with gastroesophageal reflux disease amongst Qashqai nomads in Iran

Gastoesophageal reflux disease [GERD] is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases encountered in today's clinic practice. GERD symptoms are troublesome and disruptive to the physical, social and emotional well-being of many patients. This is a cross-sectional study performed on Qashqai nomads or Fars Province in southern Ian to determine the impact of GERD on quality of life. We randomly selected 748 subjects over the age of25 years. Subjects completed two questionnaires conducted by interviews. The first one consisted of questions on gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. The second questionnaire was the Short Form Health Survey [SF-36], a generic health-related quality of life instrument that consists of 36 items divided into eight dimensions. It has a 0-to 100 point scale where higher scores show better functioning and well-being. Of 748 Qashqai migrating nomads who participated in the study, 717 subjects [mena age: 43 +/- 14.2 years] completed the GERD questionnaire and only 372 subjects completed the SF-36 questionnaire due to their busy lifestyles, and GERD was reported in 106 subjects [28.5%]. For all dimensions of SF-36, the mean score was consistently lower in patients with GERD was reported in 106 subjects [28.5%]. For all dimensions of SF-36, the mean score was consistently lower in patients with GERD compared to non-GERD subjects [P<0.001]. The dimension most frequently impaired was role-physical [40.9 vs. 77.3] followed by role-emotional [44.7 vs. 77.5], physical functioning [66.9 vs. 84.6], and general health [46.8 vs. 63.8]. An association existed between impairment in quality of life and frequency [P<0.05], but not severity, of GERD symptoms