Uninvestigated dyspepsia in Latin America: a population-based study

Dig Dis Sci. 2006 Nov;51(11):1922-9. doi: 10.1007/s10620-006-9241-y. Epub 2006 Oct 6.

Abstract

We sought to assess the prevalence, severity of symptoms, and risk factors of uninvestigated dyspepsia in a population-based study in Argentina. Eight hundred thirty-nine valid questionnaires were evaluated. Dyspepsia was present in 367 subjects (43.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 39.8-46.6); 110 (13.6%) had overlap with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The group with dyspepsia without GERD consisted of 257 subjects (29.6%; 95% CI, 26.5-32.7), 183 (71.1%) had ulcer-like dyspepsia, and 74 (28.9%) had dysmotility-like dyspepsia. Symptoms were considered very severe in 1.9%, severe in 14.0%, moderate in 59.5%, and mild in 24.5% of the subjects. Dyspepsia was associated with a score >14 on the psychosomatic symptom scale (PSC) (OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.75-3.61), a family history of diseases of the esophagus or stomach (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.19-2.52) and an educational level >12 years (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.05-2.29). Dyspepsia is especially prevalent in Argentina. In a significant proportion of dyspeptic subjects, the severity of symptoms interferes with daily activities. A higher PSC, positive family history, and a higher educational level are risk factors for dyspepsia.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology
  • Body Mass Index
  • Dyspepsia / epidemiology*
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Latin America / epidemiology
  • Life Style
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires