Epidemiological features of gastro-esophageal reflux disease in Iran based on general population.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of GERD base on population study in Tehran providence.


BACKGROUND
Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common and chronic problem. Recent reports from developing countries indicate increment in the incidence and prevalence of the disease over the past.


METHODS
This study was a cross-sectional household survey conducted from May 2006 to December 2007 in Tehran province, Iran. Participants completed a valid gastro-esophageal reflux Questionnaire. The questionnaire included personal and family characteristics such as age, gender, and educational status. In addition, interviewers asked them regarding 10 GI symptoms.


RESULTS
Altogether 18180 individuals participated in this cross-sectional study. The mean ± SD age of participant was 38.7±17.1 and 9072 (49.9%) were women. The prevalence of GERD was 8.85 (8.43-9.26). There was significant relationship between age, sex, marital and educational status with GERD. GERD symptoms were more common in women, older people, individuals with low education and married people. There was overlap between GERD, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and uninvestigated dyspepsia (UD).


CONCLUSIONS
According to our finding although the prevalence of GERD in our population is less than other studies, this prevalence is increasing in recent years.
Department of Biostatistics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Asma
A
Pourhoseingholi
Department of Biostatistics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mohamad Amin
MA
Pourhoseingholi
Department of Biostatistics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Bijan
B
Moghimi-Dehkordi
Department of Biostatistics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Farnoosh
F
Barzegar
Department of Biostatistics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Azadeh
A
Safaee
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mohsen
M
Vahedi
Department of Gastroenterology, Alexander Hospital Redditch, United Kingdom.
David Al
DA
Dulaimi
Department of Gastroenterology, Alexander Hospital Redditch, United Kingdom.
Sudhakaran
S
Prabhakaran
Epidemiological feature; Gastro-esophageal reflux disease; population-based