Korean J Neurogastroenterol Motil.
2008 Dec;14(2):96-102.
The Change in the Prevalence of Typical Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms During the Past 5 Years in Korea: A Population-based Study
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. leeoy@hanyang.ac.kr
Abstract
- BACKGROUND/AIMS
Heartburn and acid regurgitation are considered specific symptoms for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The reported population prevalence of GERD in eastern Asia ranged from 2.5% to 6.7%. The prevalence of GERD is increasing in Koreans probably because of westernized lifestyle. However, there have been few reports about the change in the prevalence of GERD symptoms in Korea. We investigated the frequency of GERD symptoms at present and change in the prevalence of GERD during the past 5 years in Korea.
METHODS
The telephone interview survey was conducted by Gallup, Korea using a validated questionnaire in 2002 and 2007. A random sample of gender and age (between 15 and 60 years), based on a per capita ratio was obtained. Typical GERD symptom was defined as heartburn or acid regurgitation having occurred at least once a week.
RESULTS
The response rate of the telephone interview survey was 29% (n=1044, 516 males and 528 females) in 2002 and 20.2% (n=1,009, 501 males and 508 females) in 2007. The prevalence of heartburn was 6.9% in 2002 and 6.6% in 2007. The prevalence of acid regurgitation in 2002 and 2007 were 4.5% and 5.5% respectively. The prevalence of GERD symptoms in general population was 7.1% in 2002 and 7.9% in 2007.
CONCLUSIONS
The change in the prevalence of typical GERD symptoms in general population was seen during the past 5 years in Korea. There were no demographic factors influencing on the prevalence of GERD symptoms.
