Prevalence and impact of upper gastrointestinal symptoms in the Canadian population: Findings from the DIGEST study

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence and impact of upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptom s in the general population are poorly defined. Most data are obtained from selected samples derived from patients presenting to health care providers . As part of a larger international effort (The DIGEST study), we examined the prevalence of upper GI symptoms among the general Canadian population, as well as their psychosocial and economic impact. METHODS: A sample of 1036 adults was studied, its demographic characteristi cs closely matching those of the general Canadian population. A validated d etailed questionnaire measured the prevalence, severity, and frequency of 1 5 digestive symptoms, as well as demographic information, use of medication and medical resources, other illnesses, and dietary habits. The Psychologi cal General Well-Being Index, a self-administered questionnaire, assessed t he individual's subjective sense of well-being. RESULTS: Of the sample population, 28.6% reported substantial symptoms in t he preceding 3 months, the majority (111/153 subjects) for >1 yr; 34.1% rep orted having never experienced significant GI symptoms. The most bothersome symptoms were primarily related to dysmotility-like symptoms in 54.9% of t hose with chronic symptoms, ulcer-like symptoms in 12.4%, and related to he artburn in 42.5%. Chronic upper GI symptoms were associated with a highly s ignificant (p < 0.001) decrease in all facets of the Psychological General Well Being Index. CONCLUSIONS: Upper GI symptoms are very prevalent in the general Canadian p opulation and substantially affect the quality-of-life and psychological we ll-being of those affected. Dysmotility-like symptoms, rather than heartbur n, are the most common chronic upper gastrointestinal symptoms in the gener al population. (C) 1999 by Am. Cell. of Gastroenterology.