Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Esfahan

Background: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common disorder in the western population but detailed population-based data in Iran is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of GERD in Esfahan. Materials and Methods: A population-based study was conducted in 2004. Major GERD symptoms (heartburn and acid regurgitation) were assessed through an interview by six trained medical students based on a systematic clustering among adult inhabitants (n=2400) in Esfahan and included any family member between 20-70 years old. Existenxe of any major GERD symptoms in the past 12 months was used to diagnosis GERD. Results: Prevalence of daily, weekly and monthly GERD symptoms were 12.1%,12.9% and 21.5% respectively. GERD symptoms occurred in 19.3% of men and 27.3% of women (p-value: 0.002). Body Mass Index (BMI) was 24.71±3.04 in GERD group compared to normal population which was 24.1±3.11 (p = 0.001). Conclusion: GERD symptoms are frequent among Esfahan population. The prevalence of GERD was affected by the gender category and BMI.