Prevalence and Correlates of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Southern Iran: Pars Cohort Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing worldwide. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of GERD in Pars Cohort Study (PCS) and to find its correlates. METHODS We used the baseline data from PCS. PCS was conducted in the district of Valashahr in Fars province in southern Iran from 2012 to 2014. 9264 inhabitants who were 40-75 years old, and agreed to participate were enrolled. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire and simple physical examination of all participants. RESULTS Generally, 58.50% (95% CI 57.49 - 59.51) of the participants had GERD and 25.10% (95% CI 24.22 - 25.99) experienced it at least weekly. Approximately, 32.0%, 52.0%, and 24.4% of the participants reported heart burn sensation, regurgitation, and both symptoms, respectively. Being female (OR: 1.45, 95% CI 1.27 - 1.65), being older (OR: 1.20, 95% CI 1.06 - 1.36), being divorced/ widowed/separated (OR: 1.38, 95% CI 1.01 - 1.91), and lower education (OR: 1.43, 95% CI 1.02 - 2.03) were associated with frequent GERD. CONCLUSION GERD is common in PCS and its prevalence is close to that in western countries. Being female, higher age, being divorced/widowed/separated, lower education, history of hypertension, anxiety, insomnia, and non-cigarette tobacco smoking were associated with frequent GERD. We are going to investigate the causal relationship between these risk factors and GERD in the next stages of PCS.

Socioeconomic Inequalities in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder: Results from an Iranian Cohort Study

“…For example, the prevalence of GERD in Iranian general population is reported from a minimum of 2.8%, 32 to a maximum of 58.5%. 33 Based on the better methodology, in a large cohort study with 50,000 participants in the North of Iran a representative prevalence rate of 20% has been estimated. 13 A systematic review has also reported the prevalence rate of 21.2% in Iran.…”

Prevalence and Correlates of Polypharmacy, and Drug Utilization Pattern in a Semi-urban Population: Results from the Pars Cohort Study

“…We also included severe gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and functional constipation based on clinical criteria presented elsewhere. [19][20][21] Participants were classified into three categories, without chronic disease, with one or two chronic diseases, and with more than two chronic conditions (multi-morbidity).…”