New Survey Reveals Hispanic-Americans Are Taking Steps to Better Understand and Manage Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Over the last three years, Hispanic-Americans have become increasingly aware of a potentially serious condition called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), also known as Acid Reflux Disease. Approximately 6.1 million Hispanics in the United States suffer from GERD(1). A new survey measured GERD awareness and understanding among 1,000 Hispanic-Americans in the top-five U.S. markets, by Hispanic-American population. The survey was designed to evaluate whether or not progress in GERD education had occurred, as a follow-up to a 2005 survey conducted by Impacto Group LLC. It was revealed that 69 percent are familiar with common terms used to describe GERD, a progressive increase from the prior survey, which showed 34 percent were familiar with common terms to describe the condition(2).

While increased awareness of GERD was reported on the rise, the survey also showed that the number of Hispanic-Americans consulting a doctor about their symptoms has remained unchanged since 2005. This is an important and revealing statistic, as it is often necessary to work closely with physicians when managing GERD symptoms. A majority of Hispanic-Americans surveyed were aware that when left untreated, GERD can cause damage to the lining of the esophagus(3), yet over half of them who reported suffering from GERD have not consulted a doctor(4). Similarly in 2005, 57 percent revealed they had not consulted a doctor(1).

In addition, 47 percent of Hispanic-Americans reported they are frequently treating their symptoms with over-the-counter products and home remedies(5). This compares to 62 percent in 2005(6).

“The results from the follow-up survey are encouraging, as they demonstrate that Hispanic-Americans are taking a more proactive role in their personal healthcare, and becoming more informed about the prevalence of GERD in their community,” said Marta Illueca, MD, a specialist in gastroenterology at AstraZeneca (NYSE: AZN) who pioneered the original survey. “But with more than six million Hispanic-Americans suffering from a condition that can severely impact their daily lifestyles, it becomes increasingly imperative for us to understand the signs and symptoms of GERD and talk with our doctors to help diagnose and treat the disease.”

The latest survey also revealed that Hispanic-Americans are now increasingly able to identify symptoms of the condition. Sixty-five percent of respondents said they or someone in their household currently suffers from GERD-related symptoms two or more times a week(7). The symptoms most commonly experienced by those surveyed included: heartburn, belching, an acidic or sour taste in the mouth, hoarseness or persistent coughing(8). In 2005, only 38 percent identified themselves or someone in their household as suffering from heartburn, and 32 percent said they or someone in their household suffered from such symptoms(1).

GERD Awareness Survey Results — Regional Perspective:

– Out of the top-five U.S. markets by Hispanic-American population,
Houston had the highest awareness levels of GERD (75%), trailed by
Chicago and Los Angeles (tied at 71%), Miami (70%) and New York
(56%)(9).
– Houston also had the highest rate of respondents with GERD experience
(53%) including those who either personally suffered from GERD or
heartburn, or someone in their household suffering from the condition,
two or more times a week(10).
– Results from other markets included: Miami (44%), New York City
(42%), Chicago and Los Angeles (39%)(10).
– New York City had the highest rate of respondents (48%) who consulted
with their doctor about acid reflux followed by Miami (47%), Chicago
(43%), Houston (41%) and Los Angeles (39%)(11).

GERD, which occurs when contents of the stomach back up into the esophagus, is often mistaken for occasional heartburn because frequent, persistent heartburn is the most common symptom of the disease. This can be a misconception, as GERD is a chronic condition and, if left untreated, may potentially lead to more serious medical conditions, such as erosion of the esophagus.

GERD affects a large portion of the Hispanic-American community, but anyone can develop the disease. Risk increases with age, but symptoms of the condition can be alleviated with proper treatment. Consulting a physician and staying updated on new information released regarding the condition are best for determining the right options for keeping symptoms of GERD under control. For more information about Acid Reflux Disease and treatment, please visit www.familiassanas.com or call 1-866-271-7278.

About the GERD Awareness Survey

The GERD Awareness survey was conducted by StrategyOne, an applied research consulting firm on behalf of AstraZeneca, as a follow-up to a 2005 survey conducted by Impacto Group LLC. The survey polled 1,000 Hispanic-Americans in the top-five U.S. markets by Hispanic-American population including: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and New York from April 3, 2008 through April 23, 2008. The survey, which has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent at the 95 percent confidence level, was conducted using the field services of Opinion Access and Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI).”

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