Population-based assessment of gastrointestinal symptoms and diseases: Cappadocia Cohort, Turkey

Özet

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of symptoms and diseases of the lower and upper gastrointestinal system (GIS) in a population-based sample.Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional cohort study was conducted in Cappadocia cohort comprising the Gülşehir and Avanosdistricts. The “Gastrointestinal Symptom Questionnaire” was applied to persons over the age of 18 years.Results: The GI Symptom Questionnaire was applied to 3369 subjects, and height and body weight were measured in 2797 consentingsubjects. Of the participants, 61% were female and the mean patient age was 50±15 years. At least one GI symptom was present in70.6% of the cohort. The most common upper GI symptoms were gastric bloating (31.0%) and heartburn (29.1%). The most commonlower GI symptom was abnormal defecation (33.5). The prevalence of upper GIS and lower GIS diseases was 32.7% and 12.9%, respectively, and the prevalence of togetherness of upper and lower GIS diseases was 9.9%. Prevalence of GIS disease was approximately 3times higher in females (p<0.001). All of the upper and lower GI symptoms and the prevalence of upper GIS disease increased in line withBody mass index (BMI).Conclusion: This first population-based, cross-sectional cohort study revealed that the prevalence of GIS diseases is critically high foroptimal public health. Special attention must be paid to these diseases while planning health policies and reimbursements.