[Gastroesophageal reflux disease in Esfahan]

ABSTRACT

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease [GERD] is a common disorder in the western population but detailed population-based data in Iran is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of GERD in Esfahan. A population-based study was conducted in 2004. Major GERD symptoms [heartburn and acid regurgitation] were assessed through an interview by six trained medical students based on a systematic clustering among adult inhabitants [n=2400] in Esfahan and included any family member between 20-70 years old. Existenxe of any major GERD symptoms in the past 12 months was used to diagnosis GERD. Prevalence of daily, weekly and monthly GERD symptoms were 12.1%,12.9% and 21.5% respectively. GERD symptoms occurred in 19.3% of men and 27.3% of women [p-value 0.002]. Body Mass Index [BMI] was 24.71+/-3.04 in GERD group compared to normal population which was 24.1+/-3.11 [p = 0.001]. GERD symptoms are frequent among Esfahan population. The prevalence of GERD was affected by the gender category and BMI