Gastro-esophageal reflux disease in northwestern Tabriz, Iran.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diagnosed based on the presence of frequent heartburn, in the general population in northwest area of Tabriz, Iran.


METHODS
In this cross-sectional study performed during May 2000. 4207 persons were chosen by systematic randomized sampling from a total population of approximately 230,000 persons. Heartburn occurring at least thrice in the recent two weeks was taken as evidence of GERD. Symptoms were correlated with the individual's diet.


RESULTS
The prevalence of GERD was 2.7%. In 80% of them, specific types of food aggravated heartburn. Waterbrash (42.8%) was the most common associated symptom.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of GERD in Tabriz is less than that reported from Western countries but is similar to that in other Asian countries.
Khoshbaten
Manochehr
M
Department of Endoscopy, Sina University Hospital, Tabriz, Iran. Khoshbatenm@TBZmed.ac.ir
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006356:Heartburn / Q000453:epidemiology; D006685:Hoarseness / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012135:Respiratory Sounds