Health care seeking by heartburn sufferers is associated with psychosocial factors

Abstract

Aim: To determine whether individuals who consult a doctor because of gastroesophageal reflux disease have psychological characteristics and social support patterns that distinguish them from those who remain within the community.

Methods: Comparison of 138 consecutive patients presenting to a gastrointestinal clinic for the first time because of heartburn with 39 heartburn sufferers who had never sought medical help for their reflux disease and 40 healthy individuals with no heartburn. Instruments used were the State-Trait Anxiety Index, the Crown-Crisp Experiential Index, the Hassles Scale, and the Interview Schedule for Social Interaction.

Results: Heartburn sufferers who remained within the community in no way differed from healthy controls. Patients who sought medical attention were older and their heartburn was more severe than community heartburn sufferers. When these variables were controlled for in the analysis, patients experienced greater phobia, obsessionality, and somatization, more hassles but of significantly lower intensity, and had less-adequate close social support than those who did not seek medical help.

Conclusion: Psychological and social factors are associated with individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease who seek medical help.