Epidemiology and societal costs of gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's syndrome in Germany, Italy and Spain.

Aim: To estimate the economic consequences for society arising from populations with poorly treated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett's esophagus in Germany, Italy and Spain.

Methods: The following epidemiologic data were used: total population figures, the prevalence and incidence of GERD and its complications, and data on patients with poorly treated GERD, as well as data on treatment costs and active workers' presenteeism and absenteeism. These data were used to calculate the economic consequences arising from the population with poorly treated GERD and Barrett's esophagus for the healthcare system and employers in each country.

[Primary care doctors' and nurses' opinion of elder abuse and neglect].

Objective: To identify primary care health professionals' opinion of elder abuse and its management. Qualitative study through focus groups.

Participants: Twenty-seven health professionals in primary care.