Ethnic variation, epidemiological factors and quality of life impairment associated with dyspepsia in urban Malaysia

Abstract

The role of ethnicity in the development of dyspepsia remains uncertain. To examine the epidemiology of dyspepsia in a multi-ethnic Asian population and its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a representative urban population in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A total of 2039 adults (mean +/- s.d. age: 40.5 +/- 11.8 years, males 44.2%, ethnicity: Malays 45.3%, Chinese 38.0% and Indians 13.1%, tertiary education level 62%, professional employment 47.7% and median monthly income USD 850.00) were interviewed. Dyspepsia was prevalent in 496 (24.3%) adults. Independent predictors for dyspepsia, explored by logistic regression, were identified as: Malay (OR 2.17, 95% CI = 1.57-2.99) and Indian (OR 1.59, 95% CI = 1.03-2.45) ethnicity, heavy chilli intake (OR 2.35, 95% CI = 1.15-4.80), use of regular analgesia (OR 3.51, 95% CI = 2.54-4.87) and chronic illness (OR 1.67, 95% CI = 1.22-2.28). HRQOL was assessed with the EQ-5D and significantly lower scores were noted in dyspeptics compared with healthy controls (0.85 +/- 0.17 vs. 0.95 +/- 0.12, P < 0.0001). Ethnicity, in addition to recognized epidemiological factors, is a risk factor for dyspepsia in an urban multi-racial Asian population.