Medical consultation for gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms: reasons and associated factors.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the frequency of medical consultation for gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms (GORS) and to ascertain reasons for consultation and associated factors.

METHODS

Telephone survey of 2,500 persons using a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression, in which the dependent variable was consultation for GORS and the independent variables were sociodemographic factors and the clinical characteristics of GORS.

RESULTS

Of those reporting GORS, 28% had consulted their physician about them in the last year. Main reasons for seeking medical advice were GORS-induced concern in 48%, and intensity of GORS in 42.6%. Factors independently associated with medical consultation were: housewife (odds ratio (OR) 1.9; 95% CI 1.1-3.4) or retired status (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.3-4.1), frequent GORS (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.6-3.5), severe GORS (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.4-4.2), nocturnal GORS (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.1-2.3), and association of epigastric pain (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.0-2.7) or nausea (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1-2.8).

CONCLUSION

The high frequency of medical consultation for GORS in Spain makes it an important healthcare problem. The fact that half the patients seek medical advice due to concern about the nature of GORS illustrates the benefits of explaining the nature, treatment and prognosis of GORS. The clinical relevance of GORS does not reside in its frequency alone, since severe or nocturnal symptoms, albeit occasional, are also associated with medical consultation.