Prevalence of Dyspepsia and its Correlation with Demographic Factors and Lifestyle in Shiraz, Southern Iran

BACKGROUND Dyspepsia is a common disorder that can present many clinical dilemmas in patient management. Although not life-threatening, the symptoms are long-lasting, interfere with daily activities and have a significant impact upon quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of dyspepsia and its relationship with demographic and socioeconomic factors, and lifestyle in an apparently healthy population in Shiraz, southern Iran. METHODS In a population-based study, 1978 subjects aged 35 years or older were interviewed from April to September 2004. A questionnaire consisting of demographic factors, lifestyle data and gastrointestinal symptoms was completed for each participant. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were determined. RESULTS The prevalence of dyspepsia was 29.9%. The dyspeptic patients were classified as having ulcer-like (27.9%), dysmotility-like (26.2%) or unspecified dyspepsia (45.9%). The prevalence was higher in females, water-pipe smokers, NSAIDs users, and in those with psychological distress, recurrent headache, anxiety, nightmares and past history of gastrointestinal disease. Dyspepsia had an inverse relationship with consumption of pickles, fruits and vegetables, and with duration of meal ingestion. Subjects with dyspepsia symptoms were more likely to restrict their diet, take herbal medicine, use over-the-counter drugs, consult with physicians and consume medication advised by their friends. CONCLUSION This study reveals that dyspepsia has a high prevalence in Shiraz, southern Iran and is associated with several demographic factors, lifestyle and health-seeking behavior.