The Open Gastroenterology Journal

2008, 2 : 28-37
Published online 2008 May 9. DOI: 10.2174/1874259900802010028
Publisher ID: TOGASJ-2-28

Reflux in Germany: Results of a Survey

Thomas Wilke and Joachim Winkler
Institute for Pharmaco-economics and Drug Logistics (www.ipam-wismar.de), University of Wismar, PF 1210, D-23952 Wismar, Germany.

ABSTRACT

Background:

The aim of this study, conducted over a period of two weeks in summer 2006, was to collect representative data about reflux in Germany.

Methods:

1,892 persons in five German cities and the Federal city-state of Berlin were questioned about the frequency and severity of their reflux symptoms, and what treatments they had opted for. Moreover, this study collected data about sociodemographic and socioeconomic status of the respondents. So the relationship between this status and the prevalence of reflux symptoms and individual treatment decisions could be analyzed.

Results:

Approximately 50% of the interviewees had personally experienced typical reflux symptoms. Approximately 21% of the sample had suffered from these symptoms during the 4 weeks prior to the survey. Typical sociodemographic factors such as gender and socioeconomic factors such as social status explain neither the appearance nor the severity of reflux symptoms; age alone exerts a small positive influence on both variables. Approximately 80% of the interviewees with acute reflux treated their symptoms; dominant choices in this context are dieting, self-medication with OTC drugs, and the consultation of medical experts.

Conclusions:

Comparing results of this survey with earlier data, reflux prevalence in Germany is rising. Mostly, acutely ill patients treat their symptoms. Surprisingly, socioeconomic status plays no role in explaining treatment decisions of patients.

Keywords:

Reflux, heartburn, GERD.