Published in:
Open Access
01-12-2010 | Research article
A population-based survey of the epidemiology of symptom-defined gastroesophageal reflux disease: the Systematic Investigation of Gastrointestinal Diseases in China
Authors:
Jia He, Xiuqiang Ma, Yanfang Zhao, Rui Wang, Xiaoyan Yan, Hong Yan, Ping Yin, Xiaoping Kang, Jiqian Fang, Yuantao Hao, Qiang Li, John Dent, Joseph JY Sung, Duowu Zou, Mari-Ann Wallander, Saga Johansson, Wenbin Liu, Zhaoshen Li
Published in:
BMC Gastroenterology
|
Issue 1/2010
Login to get access
Abstract
Background
The epidemiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has yet to be investigated using the symptomatic threshold criteria recommended by the Montreal Definition. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of symptom-defined GERD across five regions of China, and to investigate variables associated with GERD.
Methods
A representative sample of 18 000 adults (aged 18-80 years) were selected equally from rural and urban areas in each region (n = 1800). According to the Montreal Definition, GERD is present when mild symptoms of heartburn and/or regurgitation occur on ≥2 days a week, or moderate-to-severe symptoms of heartburn and/or regurgitation occur on ≥1 day a week.
Results
In total, 16 091 participants completed the survey (response rate: 89.4%) and 16 078 responses were suitable for analysis. Applying the Montreal criteria, the prevalence of symptom-defined GERD was 3.1% and varied significantly (p < 0.001) among the five regions (from 1.7% in Guangzhou to 5.1% in Wuhan) and between rural and urban populations (3.8% vs 2.4%). Factors significantly associated with GERD included living in a rural area and a family history of gastrointestinal diseases.
Conclusions
This population-based survey found that the prevalence of symptom-defined GERD in China was 3.1%, which is lower than that found in Western countries.