Demographic Characteristics in Relation Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Cross-sectional Study.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux is the backward flow of gastric contents into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux is a normal physiological process that occurs several times a day without symptoms or damage of the esophageal mucosa in most otherwise healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional prospective observational study, in which the patients are chosen by purposive sampling technique; the first consecutive 350 cases were taken to evaluate the patterns of demographic and lifestyle profile among patients aged between 30 and 60 years of age attending a tertiary care center, South India. This study was focused to evaluate the clinical scenarios of various patients diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) based on diagnostic criteria in South Indian population attending Department of General Surgery and Gastroenterology, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, from August to July 2016. Results: The mean age was 33.6 ± 10.0 years. Females (62%) were the predominant when compared to males. Heartburn was present in 50%, regurgitation in 40% and the presence of both symptoms was observed in 48.3%. Majority of the study subjects have mild GERD (77%) followed by moderate and severe grades. The body mass index range of ≥30.0 kg/m2 was highest (48%). 58% belong to lower socioeconomic group. The patients who are consuming non-vegetarian diet, smokers, stress, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus have a significant association and more succumbed to the development of GERD (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Socioeconomic factors have a significant impact on the GERD manifestations. A number of studies have been performed to evaluate the influence of socioeconomic status and GERD and concluded that lower socioeconomic status has a significant negative impact on the quality of life and implied to GERD.