The association between symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and perceived stress: A countrywide study of Sri Lanka.

Abstract

Background/aimsStress is a known associated factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the dynamics between stress and GERD are not fully studied, especially in Sri Lanka. Our objective was to assess it.MethodsFor this cross-sectional descriptive study, 1200 individuals (age ranged 18-70 years, mean 42.7 years [SD 14.4 years], 46.1% males), were recruited using stratified random cluster sampling from all 25 districts of Sri Lanka. An interviewer-administered questionnaire, which included a country-validated GERD symptom screening tool, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), was used to assess GERD symptoms and stress. Probable GERD was defined as those having heartburn and/ or regurgitation at least once per week which is on par with globally accepted criteria. Those who did not fulfill these criteria were considered as controls.ResultsPSS score was higher in those with probable GERD (mean 13.75 [standard deviation (SD) 6.87]) than in controls (mean 10.93 [SD 6.80]), (p ConclusionsIndividuals exposed to higher levels of stress are more likely to have GERD symptoms. Therefore, stress reduction should be an important part of GERD symptom management.