HEALTH-CARE SEEKING BY HEARTBURN SUFFERERS IS ASSOCIATED WITH PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS

Aim: To determine whether individuals who consult a doctor because of gastroesophageal reflux disease have psychological characteristics and social support patterns that distinguish them from those who remain w ithin the community. Methods: Comparison of 138 consecutive patients p resenting to a gastrointestinal clinic for the first time because of h eartburn with 39 heartburn sufferers who had never sought medical help for their reflux disease and 40 healthy individuals with no heartburn . Instruments used were the State-Trait Anxiety Index, the Crown-Crisp Experiential Index, the Hassles Scale, and the Interview Schedule for Social Interaction. Results: Heartburn sufferers who remained within the community in no way differed from healthy controls. Patients who s ought medical attention were older and their heartburn was more severe than community heartburn sufferers. When these variables were control led for in the analysis, patients experienced greater phobia, obsessio nality, and somatization, more hassles but of significantly lower inte nsity, and had less-adequate close social support than those who did n ot seek medical help. Conclusion: Psychological and social factors are associated with individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease who seek medical help.