Prevalence, clinical spectrum and health care utilization of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in a Chinese population: a population-based study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Population-based data on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in Chinese are lacking. The prevalence, clinical spectrum and health care-seeking behaviour of subjects with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease were studied.

METHODS:

Ethnic Chinese (3605) were invited to participate in a telephone survey using a validated gastro-oesophageal reflux disease questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

RESULTS:

A total of 2209 subjects (58% female; mean age, 40.3 years) completed the interview. The annual, monthly and weekly prevalence rates of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease were 29.8%, 8.9% and 2.5%, respectively. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease symptoms were associated with non-cardiac chest pain [odds ratio (OR), 2.3; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.7-3.1], dyspepsia (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.4-2.5), globus (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.7), acid feeling in the stomach (OR, 5.8; 95% CI, 4.5-7.5) and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.5-3.6), but not with dysphagia, bronchitis, asthma, hoarseness and pneumonia. Patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease had a significantly higher anxiety and depression score and required more days off work when compared with subjects without. The frequency of heartburn (P = 0.032), female gender (P < 0.001), degree of depression (P = 0.004) and social morbidity (P < 0.001) were independent factors associated with health care-seeking behaviour.

CONCLUSION:

The prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease was lower than that in Western populations, but carried a significant socio-economic burden in the studied Chinese population. The frequency of heartburn, female gender and psychosocial factors were associated with health care utilization in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

• Authors: W M Wong, K C Lai, K F Lam, W M Hui, W H C Hu, C L K Lam, H H X Xia, J Q Huang, C K Chan, S K Lam, B C Y Wong
• Journal: Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics (Aliment Pharmacol Ther) Vol. 18 Issue 6 Pg. 595-604 (Sep 15 2003) ISSN: 0269-2813 [Print] England
• PMID: 12969086 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Anxiety (epidemiology)
• Chest Pain (epidemiology)
• Chi-Square Distribution
• China (epidemiology)
• Depression (epidemiology)
• Dyspnea (epidemiology)
• Female
• Gastroesophageal Reflux (epidemiology, therapy)
• Health Services (statistics & numerical data)
• Health Surveys
• Humans
• Interpersonal Relations
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patient Acceptance of Health Care (statistics & numerical data)
• Prevalence
• Sex Factors