A study of the symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux disease and associated risk factors among the rural school children of Veleru India

Background: Prevalence of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in all ages has shown an upward trend over the past decades. The reasons for this increase are ill-understood. The data in the pediatric population is limited. Recent studies have linked childhood GERD to adult GERD. This study was conducted to assess the symptoms, risk factors of GERD among the schoolchildren residing in a rural area. Aims: The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of GERD risk factors among the school children aged 8-17 years and to find any association between body mass indexes, meal pattern and sleep disturbances related to GERD. Materials and Methods: We did a cross-sectional study on 380 school children of 4th-10th standard from 4 schools of Veleru, the Rural Health Center attached to Dr. Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences. The questionnaire consisted of questions for reflux symptoms, meal pattern and sleep disturbances. Results: The symptoms of reflux like abdominal pain was reported in 7%, heartburn in 1.3%, regurgitation in 2.4%, vomiting in 2.9%, difficulty in swallowing in 2.1%, sore taste in mouth in 0.8% of the children. The risk-factors for reflux like caffeinated drinks were found in 45.3%, very spicy food in 12.1%, heavy meals in 2.4% of the children. Sleep disturbance was seen in 33.4% of the children. Obesity was present in 0.6% of the children. Conclusion: School children should be informed about the symptoms and risk factors of GERD so that healthy dietary habits can be developed at a young age and GERD can be prevented.