BMI is an independent risk factor for gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms among healthy female adults, but contributes only to a minor part of the variation in these symptoms. H. pylori is protective against reflux symptoms in men.

In our populations, with apparent high hygienic standards, the transmission of H. pylori infection may start not only in childhood, but also in adolescence, where potential transmission routes may be outdoor toilet use, private well water, and farm animals.

Functional bowel symptoms are prevalent, but our findings may be prone to self-selection bias. FB symptoms carry a significant burden of comorbidity. Female gender and low age are known risk factors for FB symptoms, whereas NSAID use as a risk factor deserves further clarification.