Objective: To explore the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its symptoms in Haidian district of Beijing, identify its associated risk factors and analyze the relations between GERD and history of other diseases.
Methods: 2615 residents of 18-80 years old were selected to participate in the study by multi-stage sampling from Haidian district from June and September in 2008. Questionnaires were distributed to obtain the information on demographic characteristics, diseases history and the reflux disease questionnaire (RDQ).
Results: The prevalence of GERD in the population was 8.4% (220/2615), and the prevalence of heartburn, reflux, both heartburn and reflux were 1.0% (25/2615), 6.2% (163/2615) and 1.2% (32/2615), respectively. Multi-factor analysis showed rural area (OR = 2.237, 95%CI: 1.422 - 3.517), female (OR = 1.456, 95%CI: 1.085 - 1.955), high education (OR = 1.242, 95%CI: 1.001 - 1.542), pressure (OR = 1.277, 95%CI: 1.089 - 1.497), bad emotional status (OR = 1.320, 95%CI: 1.046 - 1.665), and family history of gastrointestinal disorders (OR = 1.594, 95%CI: 1.075 - 2.365) were significantly associated with GERD. Rural area (OR = 2.481, 95%CI: 1.278 - 4.818), female (OR = 1.747, 95%CI: 0.902 - 3.386), drinking (OR = 1.838, 95%CI: 0.916 - 3.690), no exercise (OR = 2.091; 95%CI: 1.131 - 3.867) and bad emotional status (OR = 1.657, 95%CI: 1.123 - 2.446) were significant risk factors for heartburn. Rural area (OR = 2.171, 95%CI: 1.326 - 3.556), female (OR = 1.505, 95%CI: 1.102 - 2.056), high education (OR = 1.347, 95%CI: 1.063 - 1.706), pressure (OR = 1.317, 95%CI: 1.113 - 1.558), bad emotional status (OR = 1.266, 95%CI: 0.992 - 1.616), and family history of gastrointestinal disorders (OR = 1.739, 95%CI: 1.163 - 2.600) were significantly associated with reflux symptom. History of diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, anxiety, depression, peptic ulcer, gastritis, and renal diseases were found to be significantly related to GERD and its symptoms.
Conclusion: This area has epidemic of GERD, which was related to mental problems and unhealthy life style, and should be paid more attention by conducting effective community-based interventions.