[Gastroesophageal reflux disease in Gonbad city: the prevalence and risk factors]

ABSTRACT

Gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD] is a common gastrointestinal disease. Although, the prevalence of GERD is high, has an adverse impact on the quality of life and there was a relationship between GERD and peptic stricture, Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma, that is increasing recently, there is limited information and conflicting data for risk factors of GERD. The aim of this study was to investigate prevalence and the potential risk factors of GERD in Gonbad city [Northern Iran]. A total of 1016 randomly selected subjects aged 18-40 years, were invited to the study. Face to face interview was performed for 1000 participants. Cardinal symptoms of GERD [heartburn and/or regurgitation], frequency and severity asked. Subjects who reported heartburn and/or regurgitation, at least once a week, during the last 12 months were defined as GERD patients and controls were persons without any compliant of those symptoms. Dietary intake was assessed using a local validated Block 116 food frequency questionnaire. The prevalence for weekly GERD was 12.3%. Increasing Age [OR 1.04, 95% CI [1.00-1.07]], BMI association for GERD. Further risk factors included consumption of high amount of tomato sauce. Consumption of some drug such as NSATDS and OCP was associated with reflux. Gender, smoking, alcohol and opium consumption, physical activity, speed of eating, Eating -to-bed time did not affect the risk of GERD. No association was found between total calori and total intake of; tea, spicy foods, fiber, fat, protein, and carbohydrate with GERD. The prevalence of GERD in Gonbad was more than most Asian counties and comparable to western countries. Increasing Age and obesity are risk factors for GERD. Tomato sauce was the most potent dietary risk for GERD symptoms