SUMMARYAim: To measure the prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms and to identify associated factors in a representative sample of the Spanish population. Methods: A telephone survey of 2500 subjects was performed using a validated questionnaire. The association of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms (defined as the presence of heartburn or acid regurgitation) and their clinical characteristics with potential risk factors was summarized using the odds ratios (OR) obtained by multiple logistic regression. Results: The response rate was 71.2%. The annual prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms was 31.6% [95% confidence interval (CI), 29.8-33.4] and the weekly prevalence was 9.8% (95% CI, 8.6-10.9) 2 . Gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms were associated with excess weight (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.23-1.92), obesity (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.30-2.32), the psychosomatic symptom score (OR, 2.98; 95% CI, 2.41-3.67) and the presence of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms in a direct family member (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.17-2.23). Gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms of ‡ 10 years' duration were more frequent in obese subjects (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.14-3.22) and those with a direct family member with gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms (OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.44-4.06). Factors associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms of £ 1 year duration were a spouse with gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms (OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.39-3.9) and the consumption of 1-5 aspirins/week (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.01-2.86). Conclusions:The prevalence of frequent gastrooesophageal reflux symptoms in Spain is lower than that observed in other Western populations. The psychosomatic symptom score is the factor most strongly associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms. Long-term gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms are associated with certain genetic factors (obesity, family history of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms), whereas shortterm gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms are associated with factors of probable environmental nature.
Weight gain is associated with GERS, independently of BMI.
Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of medical consultation for gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms (GORS) and to ascertain reasons for consultation and associated factors. Methods: Telephone survey of 2,500 persons using a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression, in which the dependent variable was consultation for GORS and the independent variables were sociodemographic factors and the clinical characteristics of GORS. Results: Of those reporting GORS, 28% had consulted their physician about them in the last year. Main reasons for seeking medical advice were GORS-induced concern in 48%, and intensity of GORS in 42.6%. Factors independently associated with medical consultation were: housewife (odds ratio (OR) 1.9; 95% CI 1.1–3.4) or retired status (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.3–4.1), frequent GORS (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.6–3.5), severe GORS (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.4–4.2), nocturnal GORS (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1–2.3), and association of epigastric pain (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.0–2.7) or nausea (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1–2.8). Conclusion: The high frequency of medical consultation for GORS in Spain makes it an important healthcare problem. The fact that half the patients seek medical advice due to concern about the nature of GORS illustrates the benefits of explaining the nature, treatment and prognosis of GORS. The clinical relevance of GORS does not reside in its frequency alone, since severe or nocturnal symptoms, albeit occasional, are also associated with medical consultation.
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