A population-based survey of the epidemiology of symptom-defined gastroesophageal reflux disease: the Systematic Investigation of Gastrointestinal Diseases in China.
BACKGROUND
The epidemiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has yet to be investigated using the symptomatic threshold criteria recommended by the Montreal Definition. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of symptom-defined GERD across five regions of China, and to investigate variables associated with GERD.


METHODS
A representative sample of 18 000 adults (aged 18-80 years) were selected equally from rural and urban areas in each region (n = 1800). According to the Montreal Definition, GERD is present when mild symptoms of heartburn and/or regurgitation occur on >or=2 days a week, or moderate-to-severe symptoms of heartburn and/or regurgitation occur on >or=1 day a week.


RESULTS
In total, 16 091 participants completed the survey (response rate: 89.4%) and 16 078 responses were suitable for analysis. Applying the Montreal criteria, the prevalence of symptom-defined GERD was 3.1% and varied significantly (p < 0.001) among the five regions (from 1.7% in Guangzhou to 5.1% in Wuhan) and between rural and urban populations (3.8% vs 2.4%). Factors significantly associated with GERD included living in a rural area and a family history of gastrointestinal diseases.


CONCLUSIONS
This population-based survey found that the prevalence of symptom-defined GERD in China was 3.1%, which is lower than that found in Western countries.
He
Jia
J
Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
Ma
Xiuqiang
X
Zhao
Yanfang
Y
Wang
Rui
R
Yan
Xiaoyan
X
Yan
Hong
H
Yin
Ping
P
Kang
Xiaoping
X
Fang
Jiqian
J
Hao
Yuantao
Y
Li
Qiang
Q
Dent
John
J
Sung
Joseph Jy
JJ
Zou
Duowu
D
Wallander
Mari-Ann
MA
Johansson
Saga
S
Liu
Wenbin
W
Li
Zhaoshen
Z
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012424:Rural Population; D014505:Urban Population; D055815:Young Adult