SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: Diseases of gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) are more prominent in our setup. Our life style is a significant risk factor for many diseases especially gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a disorder in which there is reflux of acid from stomach upwards to the esophagus more than twice per week. Objective of the study was to find out the socio-demographic characteristics of GERD, possible risk factors associated with this problem and to observe GERD patients in relation with disease occurrence and association with age, gender and area. Methods: This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted at Ayub teaching hospital, Abbottabad. The sample size was 300, selected by convenient non-probability technique. Data was collected through a questionnaire and then analyzed by using SPSS-23. Results: In our study, total number of patients were 300, out of which 164 (54.7%) were female, 106 (35.3%) were illiterate. Mean age was 35.9±9.6 years, while mean BMI was 29.49±4.8, occupational wise 100 (33.3%) people were unemployed. Frequency of GERD was higher in rural 172 (57.3%) areas, highest frequency was found in group of people who experienced heart burn 2–3 times/week. As far as the use of tobacco and its products is concerned 91 (30.3%) patients smoked it either as cigarette, cigar or Hookah, 110 (36.7%) patients lived a sedentary life. Out of total, 22 were using anticholinergic drugs while 12 have used in past. Regarding NSAIDS and other painkillers use 164 patients were using it, while 62 were also using antidepressants. Conclusion: The main determinants of GERD were found to be female gender, low socio-economic status, lack of education, high BMI, sedentary life style, lack of exercise, pregnancy, tobacco use, NSAIDs use and fatty and spicy foods.

Pak J Physiol 2016;12(3):40–3