Factors influencing dyspepsia-related consultation: differences between a rural and an urban population

Background Dyspepsia is a common, chronic condition but medical consultation rates for symptoms remain variable. We aimed to examine two populations with varied health-care provision to determine predictive factors for dyspepsia-related consultation. Methods A cross-sectional, population-based study in both an urban and a rural community within a single Asian country was conducted. Details on dyspepsia-related consultation rates over a fixed period and independent factors influencing them were identified. Key Results A total of 4039/5370 (75.2%) adults from representative rural and urban areas in this country agreed to participate in the study. Although mean ages of respondents were similar (40.4 years), the demo-graphics of both populations varied in terms of gender (62.7% female, rural vs 55.7% female, urban, P < 0.0001), marital status (75.4% rural vs 70.5% urban, P = 0.002), ethnicity, (79% Malay rural vs 45.3% Malays urban, P < 0.0001) and socio-economic status (professional occupation 7.1% rural vs 47.3% urban, P < 0.0001). Dyspepsia-related consultation rates were found to be higher among rural compared to urban adults (41.4% vs 28.7%, P < 0.0001). Over-the-countermedication consumption was higher among urban compared to rural dyspepsia sufferers (n = 157 vs n = 35, P < 0.0001). Following logistic regression, rural population (OR 3.14, 95% CI = 1.65-6.0), low quality of life (OR 1.90, 95% CI = 1.17-3.10), and self-medication (OR 0.40, 95% CI = 0.25-0.62) were found to independently predict dyspepsia-related consultation. Conclusions & Inferences Dyspepsia-related consultation varied significantly between urban and rural communities. Factors within the rural population, self-medication practices, and a low quality of life independently influenced dyspepsia-related consultation.