Epidemiological Investigation, Extraesophageal Symptoms and Risk Factors of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Kashgar, Xinjiang, China

Objective: To explore the incidence, distribution characteristics and related symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as well as its related risk factors in Kashgar, Xinjiang.

Methods: From March 2020 to October 2020, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 5,080 permanent residents aged 18-80 years in Kashgar using cluster sampling and stratified sampling methods. The content included basic information, accompanying symptoms and diseases, living, customs and eating habits, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire score, Results: The prevalence of GERD in Kashgar was 23.4% (1187/5080), and the proportions of patients with reflux symptoms lasting 1 day, 2-3 days and 4-7 days within a week were 12.5%, 6.4% and 4.4%, respectively. The proportion of patients showing symptoms in the GERD group was significantly higher than that in the non-GERD group (<0.05). The proportion of people who are overweight or obese, take alcohol drink, eat, constipate, or take various chronic disease drugs in the GERD group is higher than that in the non-GERD group. The proportion of people in the GERD group who often eat sweet foods, pickled products, roasted products, spicy foods and meat, or drink coffee, acidic beverages, and cold drinks was higher than that in the non-GERD (P<0.05). The proportion of people in the GERD group who regularly consume fish, milk, eggs, vegetables, and fruits was significantly lower than that in non-GERD group (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis found that Uyghur nationality (for the Han nationality), age (for the 30-39 years group), drinking, overeat, constipation, and frequent medication were risk factors (<0.05, OR>1). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that sweets, baked products, cold drinks, and spicy foods were independent risk factors (<0.05, OR>1). Eggs and vegetables were protective factors (<0.05, OR<1).

Conclusion: The high incidence of GRED in Kashgar, Xinjiang may be related to the local living environment, and life and eating habits.