title: Risk factors on the development of new-onset gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. A population-based prospective cohort study: the HUNT study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a highly prevalent disorder. This study assessed the risk factors of new-onset gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (GERS).
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was based on the HUNT study, a prospective population-based cohort study conducted in 1995-1997 and 2006-2009 in Nord-Trøndelag County, Norway. All inhabitants from 20 years of age were invited. Risk factors of new-onset heartburn or acid regurgitation were examined using logistic regression, providing odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 29,610 individuals were included (61% response rate). Participants reporting no GERS at baseline and severe GERS at follow-up (new-onset GERS; n=510) were compared with participants reporting no complaints at both times (n=14,406). Increasing age (OR 1.01 per year, 95% CI 1.00-1.02) was positively associated, whereas male sex (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.66-0.98) and higher education (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.56-0.86) were negatively associated with new-onset GERS. Gain in body mass index (BMI) was dose-dependently associated with new-onset GERS (OR 1.30 per unit increase in BMI, 95% CI 1.25-1.35), irrespective of baseline BMI. Previous and current tobacco smoking were associated with new-onset GERS (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.07-1.76 and OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.00-1.67, respectively). Tobacco smoking cessation was associated with new-onset GERS among those with gain in BMI upon quitting (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.31-3.16, with >3.5 BMI units increase).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  New-onset GERS were associated with increasing age, female sex, lower education, gain in BMI, and ever tobacco smoking. Tobacco smoking cessation was associated with new-onset GERS among those who gained weight upon quitting.
authors: 1] Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark [2] Department of Medical Gastroenterology S, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark [3] Medical Department, Levanger Hospital, Nord-Trøndelag Hospital Trust, Levanger, Norway.
authors: Andreas
authors: A
authors: Hallan
authors: 1] Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark [2] Department of Medical Gastroenterology S, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
authors: Maria
authors: M
authors: Bomme
authors: HUNT Research Centre, Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Levanger, Norway.
authors: Kristian
authors: K
authors: Hveem
authors: 1] Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark [2] Department of Medical Gastroenterology S, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
authors: Jane
authors: J
authors: Møller-Hansen
authors: 1] Medical Department, Levanger Hospital, Nord-Trøndelag Hospital Trust, Levanger, Norway [2] HUNT Research Centre, Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Levanger, Norway [3] Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Molecular medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors: Eivind
authors: E
authors: Ness-Jensen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004947:Esophagus / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D006356:Heartburn / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors