BMC Gastroenterology (Aug 2010)

A population-based survey of the epidemiology of symptom-defined gastroesophageal reflux disease: the Systematic Investigation of Gastrointestinal Diseases in China

  • He Jia,
  • Ma Xiuqiang,
  • Zhao Yanfang,
  • Wang Rui,
  • Yan Xiaoyan,
  • Yan Hong,
  • Yin Ping,
  • Kang Xiaoping,
  • Fang Jiqian,
  • Hao Yuantao,
  • Li Qiang,
  • Dent John,
  • Sung Joseph JY,
  • Zou Duowu,
  • Wallander Mari-Ann,
  • Johansson Saga,
  • Liu Wenbin,
  • Li Zhaoshen

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-230X-10-94
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 1
p. 94

Abstract

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Abstract Background The epidemiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has yet to be investigated using the symptomatic threshold criteria recommended by the Montreal Definition. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of symptom-defined GERD across five regions of China, and to investigate variables associated with GERD. Methods A representative sample of 18 000 adults (aged 18-80 years) were selected equally from rural and urban areas in each region (n = 1800). According to the Montreal Definition, GERD is present when mild symptoms of heartburn and/or regurgitation occur on ≥2 days a week, or moderate-to-severe symptoms of heartburn and/or regurgitation occur on ≥1 day a week. Results In total, 16 091 participants completed the survey (response rate: 89.4%) and 16 078 responses were suitable for analysis. Applying the Montreal criteria, the prevalence of symptom-defined GERD was 3.1% and varied significantly (p Conclusions This population-based survey found that the prevalence of symptom-defined GERD in China was 3.1%, which is lower than that found in Western countries.