Higher frequency of upper gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy young Japanese females compared to males and older generations

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in upper gastrointestinal symptoms between generations and genders in relatively healthy Japanese subjects. METHODS: Altogether, 4086 healthy Japanese male and female (M/F) adults (M/F: 2244/1842) were analyzed. Among them, 3505 subjects (M/F: 1922/1583) were underwent a routine medical checkup at one of five hospitals in Saga, Japan from January 2013 to December 2013. The others were 581 (M/F: 322/259) healthy young volunteers at the Saga Medical School from April 2007 to March 2013. The participants were asked to complete the frequency scale for the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflex disease (FSSG) questionnaire, undergo upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and submit to a rapid urease test to diagnose Helicobacter pylori infection. Among the 4086 subjects, the 2414 who had no H. pylori infection and no positive endoscopic findings were enrolled in the study. RESULTS: Subjects’ average age was 46.9 ± 12.2 years, with males’ and females’ ages being almost equivalent. The total FSSG score were high in females compared to males (P < 0.01) and decreased significantly with aging (P < 0.05). Among the generations, FSSG scores were the highest for those 20–29 years old, and they were significantly decreased with ageing in both males and females (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The FSSG score was significantly higher in healthy Japanese females than in males, and the scores decreased with aging.