INTRODUCTION@#
Infant gastroesophageal reflux disease (
GERD) is a significant cause of concern to
parents. This study seeks to describe
GERD prevalence in
infants, evaluate possible
risk factors and assess common
beliefs influencing management of
GERD among
Asian parents.@*
METHODS@#
Mother-
infant dyads in the
Singapore PREconception Study of long-Term maternal and
child Outcomes (S-PRESTO) cohort were prospectively followed from preconception to 12 months post-delivery.
GERD diagnosis was ascertained through the revised
Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire (I-GERQ-R) administered at 4
time points during infancy. Data on parental
perceptions and
lifestyle modifications were also collected.@*RESULTS@#The
prevalence of
infant GERD peaked at 26.5% at age 6 weeks, decreasing to 1.1% by 12 months.
Infants exclusively
breastfed at 3 weeks of
life had reduced odds of
GERD by 1 year (adjusted
odds ratio 0.43, 95%
confidence interval 0.19-0.97, P=0.04). Elimination of "
cold or heaty
food" and "gas producing"
vegetables, massaging the
infant's
abdomen and application of medicated oil to the
infant's
abdomen were quoted as major
lifestyle modifications in response to
GERD symptoms.@*CONCLUSION@#
Prevalence of
GERD in
infants is highest in the first 3 months of
life, and the majority outgrow it by 1 year of age.
Infants exclusively
breastfed at 3 weeks had reduced odds of
GERD. Cultural-based changes such as elimination of "heaty or
cold"
food influence parental
perceptions in
GERD, which are unique to the
Asian population.
Understanding the cultural basis for parental
perceptions and
health-seeking behaviours is crucial in tailoring
patient education appropriately for optimal management of
infant GERD.