[Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and associated factors in adolescents: population survey].

OBJECTIVES

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is frequent among the general population affecting 10-20% of adults. However, there is a notable lack of epidemiological data describing prevalence of GER in children. The aims of the present study were to assess the prevalence of GER symptoms (GERS) in adolescents and to evaluate factors associated with GERS including markers of H. pylori infection.

METHODS

All school students in grades 9-11 in four randomly selected secondary schools in Novosibirsk participated (449 adolescents, 189 boys, 260 girls aged 14-17). They completed the Bowel Disease Questionnaire, life-style questionnaire, and sera were tested for antibodies against Helicobacter pylori infection.

RESULTS

Overall, 60% of adolescents experienced GERS (heartburn and/or acid regurgitation) over the previous year. GER symptoms on a monthly basis were reported by 22% of students, weekly GERS were reported by 9% of adolescents with the same frequency in both genders. GERS were related to family history of dyspepsia or GER, mother's lower educational attainment, overweight, unhealthy eating patterns, alcohol consumption, smoking, and H. pylori infection, as well as concomitant dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. The majority of associations were more prominent in girls. Visiting a physician, endoscopic study, and school absenteeism were reported in the last year more frequently by adolescents with GERS vs those without GERS.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms are frequent among the adolescent population and result in frequent use of health care resources. Some precipitated factors found in this study are modifiable and may be corrected in adolescent population.