Prevalence and risk factors for gastro-esophageal reflux disease in the North-Eastern part of Bangladesh

• Published in: Bangladesh Medical Research Council bulletin Vol. 38; no. 3; pp. 108 - 113
• Main Authors: Shaha, M, Perveen, I, Alamgir, M J, Masud, M H, Rahman, M H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bangladesh 01.12.2012
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Age Distribution; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Bangladesh - epidemiology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Gastroesophageal Reflux - complications; Gastroesophageal Reflux - epidemiology; Gastroesophageal Reflux - etiology; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Life Style; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Sex Distribution; Social Class; Urban Health; Young Adult; Bangladesh
• DOI: 10.3329/bmrcb.v38i3.14338
• ISSN: 0377-9238

Despite a common disorder population-based data on gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Bangladesh is lacking. This epidemiological study was designed to determine the prevalence of GERD and its association with lifestyle factors. This population-based cross-sectional study was done by door to door interview of randomly selected persons in both urban and rural areas of North Eastern part of Bangladesh by using a validated questionnaire. A cutoff point 3 was chosen as a valid and reliable scale to confirm GERD. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS-12 version and the level of significance was set at P < or = 0.05. A total of 2000 persons with an age range of 15 to 85 years were interviewed; 1000 subjects from urban area and 1000 from rural area. Among the study subjects 1064 were male and 936 were female. A total of 110 persons (5.5%) were found to have GERD symptoms and among them 47 were men and 67 were women. The monthly, weekly and daily prevalence of heart-burn and or acid regurgitation was 5.5%, 5.25% and 2.5% respectively. Female sex, increased age and lower level of education were significantly associated with GERD symptoms. Prevalence was found more among city dwellers (approximately 6.0% versus 4.8%), married (6.23%, n = 86), widowed/widowers (16.83%, n = 17) and day labourer (8.78%). Level of education inversely influenced the prevalence. No significant association of GERD was found with body mass index (BMI) and smoking. Prevalence of GERD in North-Eastern part of Bangladesh was lower than that of western world. Prevalence was found higher in urban population, women, married, widowed/widowers and in poor an dilliterate persons. BMI and smoking had no significant association with GERD.