Risks, precipitants and clinical presentation of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease at the Kilimanjaro Christian medical centre in Tanzania [corrected].
BACKGROUND
Risk factors and precipitants of gastro-oesophageal disease (GERD) differ widely in communities. We conducted an observational study to describe these risks, precipitants and clinical presentation of GERD patients at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Tanzania.


METHODS
We consecutively recruited 92 GERD patients who were referred for endoscopy at KCMC from March to November 2008. Using structured questionnaire risk factors, precipitants and symptoms of GERD were enquired. Their upper gastrointestinal endoscopic findings were as well documented.


RESULTS
The mean (±SD) age of the study population was 47.32 (±17) years. Reported symptoms included water brash (37%), dyspepsia (6%), chronic cough (11%) and hemoptysis (5%). More than half (56%) of the patients surveyed identified food precipitants for their GERD symptoms. Triggers of GERD symptoms were boiled beans 19%, spicy food 11%, sour/fermented meals 10%, roasted tomato 9%, silver cyprinid fish (dagaa)5%,beans with cooked green banana (matoke) 2% and fermented milk 1%. Most of the studied patients had normal body mass index (52%), and 25% admitted to be consuming alcohol though they didn't associate it with their GERD symptoms. The most common endoscopy finding was 'loose lower oesophageal sphincter (85%).


CONCLUSIONS
Most GERD patients referred for endoscopy at KCMC were found to have water brash and 'loose lower oesophageal sphincters' as described by endoscopists to denote mechanical abnormality of the lower oesophageal sphincter. GERD symptoms were precipitated by common locally available food and spices [corrected].
University of Botswana, Private Bag 713, Gaborone, Botswana.
Michael Bartholomew
MB
Mwandri
University of Botswana, Private Bag 713, Gaborone, Botswana.
Julius Chacha
JC
Mwita
University of Botswana, Private Bag 713, Gaborone, Botswana.
Mgaywa Gilbert Mjungu Damas
MG
Magafu
Magafu
M
Mgwaya
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Tanzania P.O.Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania.
Kajiru Gad
KG
Kilonzo
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Tanzania P.O.Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania.
Sarah Japhet
SJ
Urasa
Sarah
S
Urasa
D000328:Adult; D003371:Cough / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013636:Tanzania
GERD; GERD symptoms; Tanzania; precipitating food; risk factors; upper gastrointestinal endoscopy