Heartburn in Staff of Golestan Medical University, Northeast of Iran

BACKGROUND Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common gastrointestinal disease in the west that has shown increasing incidence in Iran and Asian countries. The main presentations, described for GERD, are heartburn and acid regurgitation. METHODS In this cross-sectional study in 2006, all personnel of Golestan Medical University (Northeast of Iran) were enrolled. A questionnaire consisting of demographic data, symptoms and risk factors was completed for all volunteers. Height and weight were measured. Chi-square and Non-parametric tests were used for analysis. RESULTS Symptoms of heartburn were seen in 60% of all 155 studied subjects. No significant relationship was seen between symptoms and variables like age, gender, BMI and tribes. Symptoms were more common in married ones (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Heartburn prevalence was high in this study. Heartburn was seen more in women and in married. The probable underlying etiology and explanation for these results should be studied more.