Prevalence and impact of upper gastrointestinal symptoms in Korean population-A population-based survey using ROME II criteria

Abstract

Background & Aims: Various reports on the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and functional dyspepsia have been conducted according to countries, survey methods and diagnosis criteria. However, detailed population-based data in Korea are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as GERD and dyspeptic symptoms in Korea, as well as the impact of these symptoms on quality of life. Methods: The telephone survey, conducted by Galhip Korea, targeted a stratified probability random sample of the Republic of Korea. A reliable and valid questionnaire was asked about upper GI symptoms according to ROME II criteria, soeiodemographic association, physician visit and quality of life. In measuring quality of life, the Korean version o[ the EQ-SD, which underwent cross-cultural adaptation and validation, was used. Results: A total of 3,600 people were selected, and among them, 1,044 people responded to all questions. The response rate was 29%. 3.5% of the responders experienced heartburn more than twice a week, 3.4% once a week, 5.8% once a month, and 12.3% once in two momhs. And 2.6% of the responders experienced acid regurgitation more than twice a week, 1.9% once a week, 5.5% once a month, and 14.3% once in two months. A statistically significant difference was found in the quality of life according to the frequency of heartburn and acid regurgitation (p<0.001). As frequency of heartburn and acid regurgitation increased, quality of life significantly decreased. 12.2% of the respondents experienced abdominal discomfort and pain at least for three months during the past one year, and prevalence of functional dyspepsia based on the Rome II criteria was estimated 8.4% (95% confidence imerval, 6.710.1). Of the subjects presumed to have functional dyspepsia, dysmotility-like dyspepsia (56.8%) was the most common subtype, and 61.4% of subjects visit a clinic or hospital due to abdominal discomfort and pain. Quality of life did not show a significant difference between individuals presumed to have dyspepsia and individuals who do not manifest any symptom. Conclusions: This is the population-based survey on prevalence of upper GI symptoms such as GERD and dyspepsia in Korea. Upper GI symptoms are very prevalent in general Korean population. The most common subtype of functional dyspepsia was dysmotfiity-like type. As frequency of GERD symptoms increased, quality of life significantly decreased.