Prevalence and risk factors of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms among adolescents, the HUNT study

Abstract

Background Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is recognized by symptoms of heartburn and acid regurgitation. These gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms (GORS) are common in adults, but data from adolescents are sparse. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of GORS among adolescents in a large and unselected population. Methods This study was based on the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), a longitudinal series of population-based health surveys conducted in Nord-Trøndelag County, Norway. This study included data from Young-HUNT4 performed in 2017–2019, where all inhabitants aged 13–19 years were invited and 8066 (76.0%) participated. The presence of GORS (any or frequent) during the past 12 months and tobacco smoking status were reported through self-administrated questionnaires, whereas body mass index (BMI) was objectively measured. Results Among 7620 participating adolescents reporting on the presence of GORS, the prevalence of any GORS and frequent GORS was 33.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 32.2 − 34.3%) and 3.6% (95% CI 3.2 − 4.0%), respectively. The risk of frequent GORS was lower among boys compared to girls (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.46 − 0.79), higher in current smokers compared to never smokers (OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.10 − 2.93) and higher among obese compared to underweight/normal weight adolescents (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.70 − 3.66). Conclusion A considerable proportion of adolescents had GORS in this population-based study, particularly girls, tobacco smokers, and individuals with obesity, but frequent GORS was relatively uncommon. Measures to avoid tobacco smoking and obesity in adolescents may prevent GORS.