Epidemiologic investigation and analysis of gastroesophageal reflux disease in the population of Golmud in Qinghai Province

Objective To investigate the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the population of Golmud in Qinghai Province. Methods From June, 2014 to May, 2015, a random sampled investigation was applied by using Reflux Disease Questionnaire (RDQ) in Golmud area. A face-to-face interview was applied to residents over 18 and living here more than 3 years in the urban area, urban fringe area and agricultural and pastoral area. All data were entered in excel and the SPSS 16.0 software was carried out to perform the data analysis. Results A total of 3 015 valid questionnaires were retrieved and the response rate was 91.36%. The prevalence of GERD in Golmud area was 9.41% (284/3 015) according to the definition (RDQ score ≥ 12). The prevalence of GERD in male was higher than in female with 9.51% vs. 9.03%, respectively, and no significant difference was found between the two groups (P>0.05). The prevalence of GERD among people aged 18-44 years old, 45-59 years old, 60-74 years old and aged over 75 were 8.04%, 11.59%, 10.34% and 8.14% respectively, without statistical difference among groups (P>0.05). The prevalence rates of Han, Hui, Tibetan and Mongolian were 9.51%, 11.07%, 6.52% and 9.09%, respectively. There was no significant difference between minorities and Han (P>0.05). The prevalence of GERD was positively correlated with BMI, especially when BMI ≥ 35, the GERD prevalence was significantly increased. Logistic regression analysis showed that high risk of GERD was caused by satiety, high-fat diet, spicy food, high alcohol consumption, sleeping within 2 hours after eating, psychentonia and constipation (P<0.05), while high-salt diet, sugar confectionery, strong tea and coffee had no significant correlation with GERD (P>0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of GERD in the population of Golmud area was significantly higher than that in Beijing and Shanghai. Satiety, high-fat diet, sugar confectionery, spicy food, high alcohol consumption, sleeping within 2 hours after eating, psychentonia, constipation and obesity may be associated with the higher incidence of GERD in high altitude.