Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in the Dutch Population (REFLUX)

Radboud University Medical Center

Status

Active, not recruiting

Conditions

Gastro Esophageal Reflux

Treatments

Other: No intervention

Study type

Observational

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT05689918

2022-13720

Details and patient eligibility

About

Rationale: Screening for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) precursors and treating them may help to decrease mortality of this malignancy. To understand the size of the target population for potential EAC screening, insight in the prevalence of registered and unregistered individuals with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms is needed. Insight in public awareness of EAC will provide additional useful information for public communication strategies.

Objective: The aims of this study are to assess the prevalence of GERD symptoms and related help-seeking behavior, registered and unregistered medication use and awareness of esophageal cancer in the general Dutch population.

Study design: Cross-sectional population-based survey.

Study population: Dutch citizens aged 18-75 years.

Methods: Eligible individuals will be selected from the Dutch population registry (BRP) using simple random sampling. Invitations will be sent by postal mail with participants being directed to a digital survey.

Main study parameters/endpoints: The outcome variables are presence of current GERD symptoms, number of GERD patients that consulted a doctor, number of GERD patients using prescribed and/or over the counter (OTC) antacids, histamine-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and awareness and beliefs about esophageal cancer. The association between socio-demographic background and outcome variables will also be evaluated.

Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness: Subjects will not directly benefit from participating in this study.

Nonetheless, participating in this study is not associated with any healthcare risks and the burden for the subjects is very low. The survey has a low burdensome nature and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. All data will be pseudonymized, refusal to fill out the survey or desire to withdraw from the study will not have any consequences for the invited subject.

Enrollment

4,719 estimated patients

Sex

All

Ages

18 to 75 years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria