The relationship of the number of daily meals and snacks with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Iranian adults

Abstract

Background: The relationship of the number of daily meals and snacks with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is less studied in Middle-Eastern countries. We aimed to find this relationship in a large sample of Iranian adults. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 4669 individuals fulfilled a questionnaire about their number of daily meals and snacks. Frequency of total meals was defined by summing up the frequency of main meals and snacks and participants were categorized into 4 categories: < 3, 3-5, 6-7 and ≥ 8 meals/day. GERD was defined as having heartburn sometimes or more during the last three months. The severity of disease was assessed using a four items scale rating mild, moderate, severe, and very severe. Findings: The prevalence of GERD in study population was 23.7. After adjustment of all potential confounders, women who consumed 1-2 or 3-5 snacks per day, compared to those who never used snack, had a 41 (OR:0.59; 95 CI: 0.42-0.84) and 51 (OR: 0.49; 95 CI: 0.32-0.75) reduced risk of having GERD, respectively. Women who consumed 6-7 or ≥ 8 snacks and meals per day had a 38 (OR: 0.62; 95 CI: 0.41-0.96) and 43 (OR: 0.57; 95 CI: 0.34-0.95) risk reduction for GERD, in comparison with those who ate < 3 snacks and meals per day. There was no significant relationship between the meal frequency and GERD symptoms in men. Conclusion: We found an inverse significant relationship between the meal frequency and GERD symptoms in Iranian women, but not in men. Prospective studies are required to confirm this association in Middle-Eastern populations. © 2017, (publisher Name). All rights reserved.