PROFILE OF PERSONS WITH GASTRO-ESOPHGEAL REFLUX DISEASE IN A METROPOLITAN CITY IN MAHARASHTRA STATE

Swati Rastogi; Srabani Bhattacharya; Sundaram Kartikeyan

Volume : IX, Issue : VI, June - 2020

PROFILE OF PERSONS WITH GASTRO-ESOPHGEAL REFLUX DISEASE IN A METROPOLITAN CITY IN MAHARASHTRA STATE

Swati Rastogi, Srabani Bhattacharya, Sundaram Kartikeyan

Abstract :

This cross–sectional descriptive study was conducted among 346 respondents (125 females; 36.12% and 221 males; 63.88%) by administering a pre–tested and pre–validated questionnaire via Google forms, using the chain sampling technique to determine the profile of persons with gastro–esophageal reflux disease. The mean age of female participants was 28.66 +/– 10.22 years, while that for their male counterparts was 29.32 +/– 9.76 years. The mean body mass index was 23.95 +/– 4.86 kg/m2 and 25.04 +/– 4.36 kg/m2 for females and males, respectively. Respondents preferred spicy food and had a predilection for lying down immediately after meals, which are risk factors for the disease. Significant gender differences were observed in employment status; self–perception of being overweight versus actual BMI; exercising in gym; consumption of tobacco, alcohol, coffee, chocolate, carbonated drinks; self–reported overeating and symptom of nausea / vomiting. Community–based programmes would be necessary to create awareness about this lifestyle disease.