title: [What are the distinctive characteristics of subjects with frequent and occasional gastroesophageal reflux symptoms?].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical spectrum of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Tunisia and to compare the characteristics and disease management of subjects complaining of at least weekly and less frequent gastroesophageal reflux symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five hundred subjects living in Tunisia were interviewed face to face. 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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age was 42.3±17.3 years and 75.6% were females. Sixty percent of the responders reported at least one GERD symptom. The prevalence of frequent GERD was 24%. Only 22.3% had sought medical advice about GERD symptoms in the last year. Of those who had consulted, 75% of individuals waited over 6 months before consulting a physician. Compared with subjects with occasional gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, those with frequent symptoms suffered from more severe symptoms, (OR: 3.5; CI 95%: 1.9-6.4), had more often sought medical advice (OR: 2.9 CI 95%: 1.6-5.2) and had more often used a drug therapy for GERD (OR: 2.2; CI 95%:1.3-3.8). In the multivariate analysis, work status, frequency and intensity of symptoms, duration of symptoms and association of atypical symptoms were associated with a higher frequency of medical consultation for GERD symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  GERD symptoms are common in the Tunisian population. The population with frequent GERD exhibits more severe symptoms and greater healthcare use.
authors: Service de Gastroentérologie, CHU de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisie. nabilca@yahoo.fr
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Ben Chaabane
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Eljeridi
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Ben Salem
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Loghmeri
authors: W
authors: W
authors: Melki
authors: O
authors: O
authors: Hellara
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Bdioui
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Safer
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Soltani
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Saffar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D055815:Young Adult