Anthropometric indices and gastro-esophageal reflux disease in adult population in Tirana, Albania.

Purpose: To assess the association of Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) with anthropometric indices [body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (W/H)] in the adult population of Tirana, the Albanian capital.

Work Method: A case-control study was conducted in Tirana in 2005-2007 including 126 consecutive patients diagnosed with GERD at the Endoscopy Unit of the University Hospital Center (77 men aged 54.95 +/- 14.58 years; 49 women aged 50.33 +/- 15.42 years), and 252 GERD-free hospital based controls (150 men aged 54.55 +/- 6.78 years; 102 women aged 50.30 +/- 11.00 years; 84% response). A structured questionnaire included information about socioeconomic characteristics and behavioral factors. Physical examination included measurement of height and weight, and waist and hip circumferences. Multivariable-adjusted binary logistic regression was used to assess the independent associations of anthropometric indices with GERD.

Work Results: GERD was positively associated with BMI (age-adjusted OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.40-4.43 for BMI > or = 30 vs.< 30), but less so with W/H (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 0.85-2.09 for values above cutoff vs. values below cutoff). Upon adjustment for socioeconomic characteristics and behavioral factors, the association with BMI persisted strongly (OR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.13-3.98), whereas the relationship with W/H was slightly attenuated (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.73-2.02).

Discussion: Our findings indicate that BMI is a strong predictor of symptomatic GERD, independent of animal fat intake, smoking, alcohol consumption and physical exercise.

Conclusion: The positive relationship of BMI with symptomatic GERD is also confirmed in the adult population of transitional Albania.