Prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in immigrants living in the Zaanstreek region in the Netherlands

Abstract

Racial differences in the incidence of reflux disease are reported but data on differences in ethnicity are rare. A study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of reflux disease, defined as the presence of reflux esophagitis, in immigrants and correlate the results with native inhabitants living in the same region. Consecutive patients with hiatus hernia and defective lower esophageal sphincter closure as well as reflux esophagitis were included. A large population of people of Turkish descent and a small contingent of people from northern Africa and the Middle East were studied separately. Reflux disease was diagnosed in 4165 patients. One hundred and sixty-seven (4%) were of Turkish descent, and 26 (0.6%) originated from Africa and the Middle East. Reflux disease occurred significantly less often in immigrants, 24% versus 55.5% (P < 0.0001). There was no difference relating to gender in the presence of reflux disease in native Dutch patients, while the number of men in the immigrant group with the condition was significantly higher than women; 51% versus 72%, respectively (P < 0.0001). The majority of immigrants only suffered from mild reflux esophagitis (P < 0.001). Immigrants with reflux disease are significantly younger than native Dutch patients, mean age 42 years versus 57 years, respectively (P < 0.0001). Reflux disease is less prevalent in immigrants, mostly people of Turkish descent. If the condition is present in this population, the majority of patients is male and belongs to the younger age cohorts.