Epidemiological investigation in outpatients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux from the Department of Medicine in Zhejiang Province, east China

Background and Aim: To elucidate the epidemiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms in outpatients from the Department of Medicine in 10 hospitals in Zhejiang Province, east China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey in the cluster random sample was conducted from November 2004 to June 2005 using a validated Chinese version of the reflux disease questionnaire and other items recording the demographic characteristics for GERD symptoms. The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 13.0 programs. Results: A total of 15 283 outpatients from the Department of Medicine were investigated. The prevalence of GERD symptoms was 7.28% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.87%, and 7.69%) with the prevalence rate increasing with age (P < 0.001), which was higher in men (7.79%, 95% CI: 7.20%, 8.38%) than in women (6.73%, 95% CI: 6.18%, 7.28%; chi(2) = 5.81, P < 0.05). The prevalence rate of the gastrointestinal symptoms in GERD symptoms, including epigastric discomfort, nausea, retrosternal pain, belching, globus sensation, loss of appetite, excessive salivation, vomiting, wheezing cough, weight loss, and dysphagia were all higher than the non-GERD patients (P < 0.0001). In the GERD patients, the prevalence of diseases, such as pharyngolaryngitis, snoring, bronchitis, liver disease, and gallbladder disease were all higher than the non-GERD patients (P < 0.01). The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that old age, night-shift work, heavy work burdens, single or divorced people, increase intake of greasy or sweet foods, excessive eating, and constipation were independent risk factors associated with GERD symptoms. Conclusion: GERD has a high prevalence in China and its main associated factors include respiratory, laryngopharyngeal and dental disorders, sex, anthropometrical variables, and social-psychological characteristics.