Prevalence of Dyspepsia and its Associated Factors Among the Adult Population in Southeast of Iran in 2010

BACKGROUND Dyspepsia is a common disorder that can present many clinical dilemmas in patient management. Although not usually life-threatening, its symptoms such as abdominal pain, heartburn, early satiety and postprandial fullness can have a significant negative impact on patients' quality of life. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dyspepsia and its associated factors among the adult population in Kerman in 2010. PATIENTS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed on 2210 patients with the mean age of 43.4 years in Kerman, a city in southeast of Iran. Demographic factors, lifestyle data and gastrointestinal symptoms were collected for each patient. RESULTS The prevalence of dyspepsia was 16.1% (95% confidence interval: 14.3-18.1). The prevalence in patients with abdominal obesity (7.3%) was lower in comparison with those with low physical activity (13.8%). Out of other psycho-behavioral risk factors, anxiety after controlling for other variables increased the risk of functional dyspepsia more than 65 percent (P = 0. 004) and depressive disorders also increased that risk about 2.13 percent (P < 0.0001). Patients with dyspepsia symptoms were more likely to restrict their diet, take herbal medicine, use over-the-counter drugs and consult with physicians. CONCLUSIONS Results of this study reveal the moderate prevalence of dyspepsia among the adult population in Kerman like in other parts of the country and this prevalence is associated with several demographic factors, lifestyle and health-seeking behaviors.