The Impact of Gastroesophageal Reflux on the Quality of Life: About a Series of 100 Patients at Fez University Hospital

Abstract

The gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) represents a major problem for public health because of its high prevalence. The chronic character of the symptoms can have a very important impact on the quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of the GERD on the quality of life of our patients and to determine the main aggravating factors. Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational study of 100 patients presenting signs of GERD in the gastroenterology department of the university medical center Hassan II-Fez, for a period of 3 months (October to December 2014). We used the Reflux-Qual short form (RQS &#174 ) to evaluate the QoL of our patients. Results: Over the study period, 100 patients were included. The average age of our patients was 47 years [20 - 75 years] with a sex-ratio F/M in 2.12. Among our patients, 20% (n = 20) were chronic cigarette smokers. The diagnosis of GERD was clinical in 75% of the cases (n = 75) and based on 24-hour pH monitoring in the remaining 25% (n = 25). Approximately 2/3 of the patients were receiving proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) treatment at the time of the questionnaire. The impairment of QoL was moderated to severe (RQS &#174 < 16) for 62% of the patients (n = 62). This impairment was associated with elderly ( p = 0.01), female sex ( p = 0.03) and the frequency of symptoms ( p = 0.001). Moreover, patients having a GERD that requiring a daily and continuous administration of PPIs had a lower index of RQS &#174 ( p = 0.001). The quality of life impairment was not associated with chronic cigarette smoking ( p = 0.3). Conclusion: The impairment of the QoL was moderated to severe (RQS &#174 < 16) for 2/3 of the patients (n = 62). This impairment was associated with elderly, female sex, frequency and in case of GERD requiring continuous administration of PPIs.