Discrepancies between upper GI symptoms described by those who have them and their identification by conventional medical terminology: a survey of sufferers in four countries.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The objective of this study was to develop a self-administered questionnaire for upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms using lay vocabulary uninfluenced by established medical terminology or concepts and to conduct a survey of symptom occurrence among sufferers in four countries.

Methods

The questionnaire was designed by integrating information gained from the vocabulary used by 38 upper GI symptom sufferers. There was no medical input to its development. The questionnaire was then used, after appropriate translation, in Brazil, Russia, the UK and the USA. Details of 10 659 symptom episodes were obtained from 2665 individuals.

Results

Nine symptoms described in lay vocabulary were identified during questionnaire development. Of these, one corresponded to regu

SUBMITTER: Heading RC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4777225 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature