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More than 25% of Dutch population reported gastrointestinal symptoms

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SAN DIEGO — A large sample of the Dutch general adult population indicated that more than 25% of adults experienced gastrointestinal symptoms that adversely affect their quality of life, according to data presented at the 2012 Digestive Disease Week Annual Meeting in San Diego.

Researchers sent questionnaires to a representative sample of the Dutch population during December 2008. Survey topics included demographics, gastrointestinal symptoms, medication use and health-related quality of life, which was assessed using the EQ-5D. Investigators performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine potential factors associated with the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Among 51,869 questionnaires distributed, 16,758 evaluable surveys were returned. GI symptoms were reported by 25.7% of participants (n=4,315), with a median duration of 8 years. Common symptoms reported included bloating (63%), borborygmi (60%) and flatulence (71%). Responders with symptoms indicated a reduced quality of life, with a mean Dutch utility score of 0.81 (SD=0.21) compared with 0.92 (SD=0.14) among nonsymptomatic participants.

Factors associated with increased risk for symptoms included female gender (adjusted OR=1.59; 95% CI, 1.40-1.77), and the use of antidepressants (adjusted OR=1.56; 95% CI, 1.22-2.00), antacids (adjusted OR=4.22; 95% CI, 3.53-5.05), histamine-2 receptor antagonists (adjusted OR=9.93; 95% CI, 6.72-14.70) and proton pump inhibitors (adjusted OR=9.29; 95% CI, 7.91-10.90). Participants aged 65 years and older were less likely to report GI symptoms (adjusted OR=0.75; 95% CI, 0.65-0.87), as were statin users (adjusted OR=0.75; 95% CI, 0.61-0.93).

“Gastrointestinal symptoms are still very frequent in the population,” researcher Merel M. Tielemans, MD, told Healio.com. “It has a lot of influence on quality of life.” Investigators also speculated that the incidence of symptoms would be higher than reported if not for 610 responders using proton pump inhibitors who reported no symptoms, which might have been attributable to their therapy.

For more information:

• Tielemans MM. #Su1642: Over a Quarter of the General Adult Population Experiences Gastrointestinal Symptoms Influencing Health-Related Quality of Life: Results of 50,000 Questionnaires. Presented at: the 2012 Digestive Disease Week Annual Meeting; May 19-22, San Diego.