Objective: Various reports on the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dyspepsia have been conducted according to countries, survey methods and diagnosis criteria. However, detailed population-based data in Korea are lacking. The a...
Objective: Various reports on the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and 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 Gallup 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, sociodemographic association and quality of life. In measuring quality of life, the Korean version of the EQ-5D, which underwent cross-cultural adaptation and validation, was used.
Results: 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 12.4% once in two months. 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. 9.3% of the responders experienced Heartburn or acid regurgitation at least above once a week. A statistically significant difference was found in the quality of life according to the frequency of heartburn and acid regurgitation. As frequency of heartburn and acid regurgitation increased, quality of life significantly decreased(p<0.001).
12.2% of the respondents experienced abdominal discomfort and pain at least for three months during the past one year. The group with uninvestigated dyspepsia had 33.9% ulcer-like dyspepsia, 55.9% dysmotility-like dyspepsia, and 10.2% nonspecific dyspepsia according to their main symptoms. dysmotility-like dyspepsia was the most common subtype. 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 uninvestigated dyspepsia in Korea. 9.3% of the responders experienced GERD symptoms at least above once a week. 12.2% of the respondents were diagnosed as uninvestigated dyspepsia. The most common subtype of dyspepsia was dysmotility-like type. As frequency of GERD symptoms increased, quality of life significantly decreased.