Prevalence of GERD in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

Background and aim of study: Upper GI endoscopy is usually requested for patient with upper gastrointestinal symptoms and rarely as part of routine medical examination. The aim of this study was to determine the
prevalence, characteristics and risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in a Nigerian endoscopic facility.
Patients and method: All patients who had upper gastrointestinal  endoscopy as part of their medical examinations between January 2009 and December 2009 at a private health facility in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria were
recruited into the study. Demographic and medical information were  collected. Upper Gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed in all the patients after obtaining informed consent.
Result: A total number of 118 patients were enrolled into this study during the study period (mean age 52.18±14.95 years). 63 (53.4%) were males while 54 (45.6%) were females given a male: female ratio of 1.17: 1. Majority of these patients were 41-60 years. Erosion of the lower  oesophagus (Erosive oesophagitis) was found in 32 patients (27.1%). Hiatus hernia was found in 33 patients (28%). Barrett’s oesophagus was found in 1.7% of this population.In the univariate analyses, erosive oesophagitis was significantly associated with hiatus hernia (p= 0.001) and alcohol (p= 0.004)

Keywords: Dyspepsia, Erosive oesophagitis,upper gastrointestinal  endoscopy.