Abstract
Few studies have focused on the impact ofgastroesophageal reflux disease on general health and onwork absenteeism. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalenceand severity of symptoms suggestive of gastroesophageal reflux disease in two samples of Italianemployees. We interviewed 424 subjects of S. MatteoHospital staff and 344 subjects of the Military Factoryof Pavia regarding the frequency and severity ofheartburn and acid regurgitation during the last 12months. Subjects were specifically asked whethersymptoms interfered with the quality of work activitiesor determined work absenteeism. In all, 91% of eligible subjects responded. The prevalence rate per 100of any heartburn or regurgitation experienced at leastmonthly was 21. This value increased to 45% taking intoconsideration symptoms experienced occasionally. Mild or moderate symptoms were more frequentthan severe symptoms (P < 0.001). Only 2.6% ofsubjects answered that symptoms have a negativeinfluence on the quality of their work. No workabsenteeism was recorded. The study confirms that typicalgastroesophageal reflux symptoms are common conditions,but mainly of mild or moderate degree.
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Valle, C., Broglia, F., Pistorio, A. et al. Prevalence and Impact of Symptoms Suggestive of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Dig Dis Sci 44, 1848–1852 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018846807296
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1018846807296