Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease And Its Correlates in Adults Residing in an Urban Resettlement Colony of East Delhi

Abstract

Background: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is known as a condition caused by abnormal reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus. Most common symptoms include heartburn (a burning sensation in the middle of the chest) and regurgitation (an upward moving sensation of stomach content). GERD is a distressing medical condition which is under reported. This study was carried out to study the associated risk factors of GERD.Objective: The primary objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of GERD among adults residing in an urban resettlement colony of East Delhi. The secondary objective was to identify the risk factors associated with it.Methods: It was a cross sectional descriptive study conducted in Nand Nagri, a resettlement colony in East Delhi from November 2016 to April 2018. The study population comprised of 300 adults (18 and above).For assessment of GERD, Questionnaire for Epidemiology of symptomatic GERD was used.Results: The mean age of the study participants was 47.70 years. The prevalence of GERD among study participants was found to be 14.0%. On applying binary logistic regression to find out the predictors of GERD among study participants, female gender, BMI more than or equal to 25, smokers, having comorbid illness, consuming high amount of spices and more than 4 cups of tea or coffee were found to be significant predictors.Conclusion: The prevalence of GERD observed in the study was 14.0%. Significant predictors of GERD were female gender, BMI more than or equal to 25, smokers, having comorbid illness, consuming high amount of spices and consuming more than 4 cups of tea or coffee.