Gerd symptoms and body mass index: a study in outpatients of Abbasi Shaheed hospital

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to determine the association between GERD [Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease] symptoms and Body Mass Index [BMI] in the outpatients of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi from December 2008 to March 2009. By convenient sampling method, 200 outpatients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study, visiting the hospital with symptoms of epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, acid regurgitation, heart burn, burping, belching, and feeling of wind. A questionnaire was filled, which contained patient's demographic profile, information on the frequency of all GERD symptoms and severity of main GERD symptoms. History of smoking, alcohol, drugs or any illness were also inquired and noted. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS version 16. Among 200 outpatients, 65% were females and 35% were male. Mean age was 38.4 years. Nausea was complained in 87%, epigastric pain in 66%, acid regurgitation in 66% and heart burning in 64% of patients. The frequency of heartburn and acid regurgitation was seen once a week in 39% and 45% of patients respectively while severity of heartburn and acid regurgitation was found 25% and 33% of patients respectively and there relation with body mass index were found insignificant. Co-relation of body mass index was not associated with symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux disease i.e. nausea [p=0.06], epigastric pain [p=0.658], acid regurgitation [p=0.935], heart burn [0.525]. Our study concludes that in our setting, the symptoms of GERD occur independently of body mass index. It seems that high BMI plays a more important role to cause symptoms of GERD among western population but not in Asian populations. However, further studies in Asian communities are also required in this regard