Epidemiological Studies and Risk Factor Analysis of GERD in Xiamen City

Epidemiological Studies and Risk Factor Analysis of Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases in Xiamen City: a Cross-sectional Study

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a condition characterized by the reflux of gastric and duodenal contents into the esophagus, primarily manifested by symptoms such as acid regurgitation and heartburn. GERD significantly affects patients' daily lives and health-related quality of life. Prolonged gastroesophageal reflux can lead to repeated irritation of the esophageal mucosa by gastric acid and acidic gastric contents, resulting in the replacement of normal squamous epithelium in the lower esophagus with metaplastic columnar epithelium. This pathological change, known as Barrett's Esophagus (BE), is considered a precancerous lesion for esophageal adenocarcinoma.

GERD is a common gastrointestinal disorder with numerous risk factors that negatively impact patients' quality of life. Abnormal psychological conditions may influence various aspects of GERD, including its onset, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. The incidence and risk factors of GERD vary in different countries or regions. Currently, there is a lack of unified national epidemiological data on GERD in China. Conducting epidemiological studies on GERD in China to identify risk factors and develop prevention and treatment measures tailored to the country's or specific regions' circumstances is crucial for reducing the incidence of GERD and improving patients' quality of life.

In the context of the modern biomedical model of "biopsychosocial" health, actively researching the psychological conditions of patients, while also addressing their physical ailments and providing psychological treatment, emphasizes holistic care. This approach may comprehensively alleviate disease symptoms and enhance quality of life, potentially leading to new breakthroughs in the treatment of GERD.

Based on this, a specialized cohort for gastroesophageal reflux disease will be established, along with multicenter epidemiological and clinical research in the Xiamen area. This initiative will help clarify the etiology of GERD and provide firsthand resources for evidence-based prevention and treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients had experienced typical reflux symptoms, i.e., mild heartburn and/or regurgitation symptoms, for at least 2 days per week or moderate/severe reflux symptoms for more than 1 day per week during the previous 3 months and had upper endoscopy examinations in the previous month.
• Cooperate with the questionnaire survey.
• Volunteer and sign the informed consent form.
• Permanent residents in Xiamen.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Malignant tumor.
• Partial or total gastrectomy.
• Failing to cooperate with the investigation because of the factors such as education level and language intelligence disorder, etc.
• Patients with severe heart, lung, kidney, liver, blood, nerve, endocrine and mental system diseases.
• Patients with mental retardation, etc.