Abstract

Digestive symptoms are the most common and frequent symptoms being reported. It is difficult to measure their effects on quality of life, as they varied by age and gender. Therefore, our aim was to determine the effect of gastric symptoms on quality of life and to explore their relationship with age and gender. A secondary analysis of an original pragmatic randomized trial with repeated measurements was conducted in gastroenterology clinic in UK from 28 July 2006 to 31 January 2007 on some 302 patients presenting with any gastric complaint, following the selection criteria. Gastric symptom was determined by GSRQ (Gastro intestinal Symptom Rating Questionnaire) and quality of life by EQ5D (Euroqol 5 dimension scale) Profile and VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) questionnaires. The results showed negative correlation between gastric symptoms (components) and quality of life (p<0.05) except for lower abdominal symptoms and VAS (p>0.05). The results also showed that age has statistically insignificant negative relationship with EQ5D Profile and VAS. Males have good quality of life (p<0.05) than females. The aforementioned results showed increase in gastric symptoms is associated with poor quality of life. In the light of the aforementioned results, it would be recommended that ‘primary care physicians should consider patient demographics of age and gender when focusing on diagnosing, implementing treatment and management plans and advising patients presenting with gastric symptoms. This will not only improve the clinical outcomes but will also increase the patient satisfaction.

Key words:  Gastric symptoms, quality of life, epidemiology, relationship.