Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux in a Tunisian primary care population determined by patient interview

Abstract

Although gastresophageal reflux disease (GERD) is highly prevalent in Western countries, we have very little data about it in African countries. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence and severity of GERD symptoms among Tunisian subjects and report its characteristics, consultation rate, management modes, as well as patients' satisfaction. Five hundred subjects living in Tunisia were interviewed face to face. The study was conducted at seven centers of primary care at Monastir's department by six interviewer doctors. The questionnaire consisted of 30 questions relating to subject attributes, lifestyle factors, medical history, reflux-related symptom characteristics, consultation behavior, previous treatments for GERD, and description of the last episode. Symptoms were defined as 'frequent' if they occurred at least weekly and 'occasional' if they occurred less frequently during the last year. The mean age was 42.3 ± 17.3 years and 75.6% were females. Over the previous year, 60% of the respondents reported suffering any GERD symptom. The prevalence of frequent GERD is 24%. Female gender (odds ratio [OR]: 1.97[1.15-3.37]) and body mass index ≥ 25 (OR: 1.54[1.042-2.29]) were associated with increased risk of GERD symptom. Only 22.3%, sought medical advice about GERD symptoms in the last year. In the univariate and multivariate analysis, work status, frequency and intensity of symptoms, duration of symptom, and association of atypical symptoms were associated with a higher frequency of medical consultation for GERD symptoms. Among the subjects complaining about heartburn, 34% took medications. GERD symptoms are common among Tunisian subjects. Few heartburn sufferers seek medical attention, and most do not take medications for symptomatic control.

Relationship between body mass index, waist circumference, waist hip ratio and erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease in a tertiary centre in Nigeria: A case control study

“…18 The prevalence of GERD in other parts of Africa varies from 24% in Tunisia to 47% among patients with GERD symptoms in Sudan. 19,20 Affluence may play a more central role as has been shown in this study of cases with GERD in which central obesity was a risk factor among females. The reason why females were more affected is not clear for now, but may be related to hormonal factors.…”

Typical Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in the General Adult Population in Cotonou: Prevalence and Associated Socio-Demographic Factors

“…This result is almost identical to that reported by Ntagirabiri et al [11] in 2013 in a study carried out on a population of consultants in Bujumbura (34.7%). This prevalence is high, compared to those obtained by some authors: 14.5% found by Lohoues-Kouacou et al [17] in a general population studyin Abidjan; 24.8% reported by Ben Chaabane et al [8] during a study in patients received for general medicine consultation in Monastir; 24.86% found by Sogbossi [19] in 2014 in digestive endoscopy units in Cotonou.…”

“…They mainly concern hospital series, endoscopic studies and a few studies in the general population. A prevalence of 24% in general medical consultations has been reported in Tunisia [8]. A study in Dakar found a frequency of 16.75% in patients referred for diges-tive endoscopy [9].…”

A statistical study of esophageal lesions in Egypt when correlated with Ki-67 activity in GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, and carcinoma of the esophagus

“…Although GERD is highly prevalent in western countries, fewer data about it are available in African countries (Ben Chaabane et al, 2012). Although GERD is highly prevalent in western countries, fewer data about it are available in African countries (Ben Chaabane et al, 2012).…”