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Multicenter Study
. 2010 Aug 15:10:94.
doi: 10.1186/1471-230X-10-94.

A population-based survey of the epidemiology of symptom-defined gastroesophageal reflux disease: the Systematic Investigation of Gastrointestinal Diseases in China

Jia He  1 , Xiuqiang Ma, Yanfang Zhao, Rui Wang, Xiaoyan Yan, Hong Yan, Ping Yin, Xiaoping Kang, Jiqian Fang, Yuantao Hao, Qiang Li, John Dent, Joseph Jy Sung, Duowu Zou, Mari-Ann Wallander, Saga Johansson, Wenbin Liu, Zhaoshen Li
Affiliations
Multicenter Study

A population-based survey of the epidemiology of symptom-defined gastroesophageal reflux disease: the Systematic Investigation of Gastrointestinal Diseases in China

Jia He et al. BMC Gastroenterol. .

Abstract

Background: The epidemiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has yet to be investigated using the symptomatic threshold criteria recommended by the Montreal Definition. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of symptom-defined GERD across five regions of China, and to investigate variables associated with GERD.

Methods: A representative sample of 18 000 adults (aged 18-80 years) were selected equally from rural and urban areas in each region (n = 1800). According to the Montreal Definition, GERD is present when mild symptoms of heartburn and/or regurgitation occur on >or=2 days a week, or moderate-to-severe symptoms of heartburn and/or regurgitation occur on >or=1 day a week.

Results: In total, 16 091 participants completed the survey (response rate: 89.4%) and 16 078 responses were suitable for analysis. Applying the Montreal criteria, the prevalence of symptom-defined GERD was 3.1% and varied significantly (p < 0.001) among the five regions (from 1.7% in Guangzhou to 5.1% in Wuhan) and between rural and urban populations (3.8% vs 2.4%). Factors significantly associated with GERD included living in a rural area and a family history of gastrointestinal diseases.

Conclusions: This population-based survey found that the prevalence of symptom-defined GERD in China was 3.1%, which is lower than that found in Western countries.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Prevalence of reflux symptoms by (a) frequency and (b) severity (n = 16 078).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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