title: A population-based survey of the epidemiology of symptom-defined gastroesophageal reflux disease: the Systematic Investigation of Gastrointestinal Diseases in China.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
authors: Jia
authors: J
authors: He
authors: Xiuqiang
authors: X
authors: Ma
authors: Yanfang
authors: Y
authors: Zhao
authors: Rui
authors: R
authors: Wang
authors: Xiaoyan
authors: X
authors: Yan
authors: Hong
authors: H
authors: Yan
authors: Ping
authors: P
authors: Yin
authors: Xiaoping
authors: X
authors: Kang
authors: Jiqian
authors: J
authors: Fang
authors: Yuantao
authors: Y
authors: Hao
authors: Qiang
authors: Q
authors: Li
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Dent
authors: Joseph Jy
authors: JJ
authors: Sung
authors: Duowu
authors: D
authors: Zou
authors: Mari-Ann
authors: MA
authors: Wallander
authors: Saga
authors: S
authors: Johansson
authors: Wenbin
authors: W
authors: Liu
authors: Zhaoshen
authors: Z
authors: Li
mesh_terms: 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