Article (Scientific journals)
Heartburn in Belgium: prevalence, impact on daily life, and utilization of medical resources
Louis, Edouard; DeLooze, D.; Deprez, P. et al.
2002In European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 14 (3), p. 279-284
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Keywords :
epidemiology; gastro-oesophageal reflux disease; utilization of medical resources
Abstract :
[en] Background Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a frequently occurring disease that may be considered a public health issue, particularly in developed countries. The specificity of heartburn for the diagnosis of GORD is good. Our aim was to define the prevalence of heartburn in Belgium, characterizing both its impact on everyday life and the ensuing use of medical resources. Methods Two thousand people living in Belgium, selected randomly after stratification, were interviewed face to face. The main question in the questionnaire used in this interview concerned the presence over the previous 12 months of a burning sensation in the epigastric and/or retrosternal region. This was followed by 21 secondary questions on the characteristics of the population studied, the impact of heartburn on everyday life, and the medical resources used. Results Twenty-eight per cent of the population interviewed reported heartburn. This symptom was present at least once a week in 42% of sufferers. Heartburn was more frequent in women than men (P < 0.05) and was not distributed uniformly throughout the various regions of the country (P < 0.05). Seventy-seven per cent of the people with heartburn found that it had a significantly negative impact on their daily lives (in 27%, this effect was strong). Heartburn associated with a substantial negative impact on daily life was characterized by a higher frequency of symptoms (P < 0.0001), a longer duration of the problem (P= 0.006), and the presence of pain (P < 0.0001) and anxiety (P < 0.0001). Fifty-six per cent of individuals with heartburn had already sought medical advice, 45% had undergone an upper-gastrointestinal tract endoscopy, and 59% were taking medications. Among patients complaining that heartburn had a substantial negative effect on their everyday lives, 21.6% had not sought medical advice and 22.2% did not take any medication. Conclusion Heartburn is very frequent in Belgium and is associated with a considerable negative impact on everyday life. It also generates a significant use of medical resources. However, among the patients complaining of a substantial negative effect on their daily lives, one-fifth (which would represent 1.5% of the Belgian population) seemed to lack appropriate care.
Disciplines :
Gastroenterology & hepatology
Author, co-author :
Louis, Edouard  ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Département des sciences cliniques > Hépato-gastroentérologie
DeLooze, D.
Deprez, P.
Hiele, M.
Urbain, D.
Pelckmans, P.
Deviere, J.
Deltenre, M.
Language :
English
Title :
Heartburn in Belgium: prevalence, impact on daily life, and utilization of medical resources
Publication date :
March 2002
Journal title :
European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
ISSN :
0954-691X
eISSN :
1473-5687
Publisher :
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, United States - Pennsylvania
Volume :
14
Issue :
3
Pages :
279-284
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Available on ORBi :
since 18 September 2009

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