Терапевтический архив (Feb 2008)

Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux and quality of life: population study

  • O V Reshetnikov,
  • S A Kurilovich,
  • G I Simonova,
  • E D Pylenkova,
  • S K Maliutina,
  • O G Gorbunova,
  • S N Bogatyrev

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 80, no. 2
pp. 11 – 14

Abstract

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Aim. To study prevalence of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in a free living population and to evaluate quality of life (QOL) in this disease. Material and methods. The gastroenterological symptoms and QOL were studied in a representative sample of adult population of 495 males and 548 females aged 45-70 years using a validated questionnaire, SF-36 questionnaire. Results. GER symptoms were seen in 17.0% responders, with the same frequency in men and women, in responders of different age. QOL was worse in responders with GER by 2 scales of SF-36 questionnaire: in males - "general well-being" and "viability", in females - “general well-being" and “physical functioning". In persons who had visited a doctor QOL was lower by all 8 scales than in those who had GER symptoms but had not visited a doctor. GER prevalence in Russia is similar to that in the West Europe and USA. QOL in GER patients is not low but worse in those who seek medical advice.

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