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

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

SUBMITTER: He J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2933714 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature