Economic burden of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and dyspepsia: A community-based study

Abstract

Background and study aims: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dyspepsia are common digestive disorders that inflict serious harm, burden and economic consequences on individuals worldwide. The aim of this study was to estimate the direct and indirect economic burden of GERD and dyspepsia in the whole population of Tehran, the capital of Iran.

Patients and methods: The study was performed on a total of 18,180 adult subjects (age>18 years) taken as a random sample in Tehran province, Iran (2006-2007). A valid and reliable questionnaire was used to enquire about the symptoms of GERD, dyspepsia and the frequency of the utilization of health services including physician visits, hospitalisations and productivity loss due to GERD/dyspepsia symptoms in the preceding 6 months.

Results: GERD was found in 518 (41.9% males) patients and dyspepsia in 404 patients (38.9% males). Further 1007 subjects had both GERD and dyspepsia. The total direct costs of disease per patient for GERD, dyspepsia and their overlap were PPP$97.70, PPP$108.10 and PPP$101.30, respectively (PPP, purchasing power parity dollars). The total indirect cost of disease per patient was PPP$13.7, PPP$12.1 and PPP$32.7, for GERD, dyspepsia and their overlap, respectively.

Conclusion: According to our results, hospitalisation and physician visits were the main cost of disease that could be minimised by revision of the insurance business in Iran.