ORIGINAL ARTICLE Prevalence and factors associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease in southern India: A community-based study Sudipta Dhar Chowdhury 1 & Gemlyn George 1 & Kartik Ramakrishna 1 & Balamurugan Ramadass 1 & Srinivasan Pugazhendhi 1 & John Mechenro 1 & L. Jeyaseelan 2 & Balakrishnan Siddartha Ramakrishna 1 Received: 8 November 2018 /Accepted: 31 December 2018 # Indian Society of Gastroenterology 2019 Abstract Background and Aim Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common worldwide with significant expenditure for health care. Community-based data on the prevalence of GERD in India remains scarce. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of GERD and to identify potential associations. Methods A community-based survey of adults (aged ≥18 years) was done through population proportionate to size sampling in urban and rural areas of Vellore district, Tamil Nadu, India. GERD was defined as heartburn and regurgitation occurring at least twice per week. Associations between GERD and gender, age, anthropometric measures, and consumption of tobacco, alcohol, meat, and milk were evaluated. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were derived from logistic regression models. Results Of 6174 participants (3157 urban, 2599 male), 8.2% had GERD. The prevalence was higher in urban (11.1%) compared to rural areas (5.1%) (p < 0.001). Among patients with GERD, 34.3% used medications daily for symptom relief. On univariate analysis, GERD was associated with female gender, living in an urban area, age >30, BMI >25, and infrequent milk consumption. On multivariate analysis, female gender (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.1–1.6), living in urban area (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.9–2.8), age >30 years (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.4–2.5), BMI ≥ 25 kg/m 2 (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.1–1.6), and infrequent milk intake (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.3–1.9) were independently associated with GERD. Conclusion Symptomatic GERD was found in 8.2% of respondents in this representative southern Indian community, being more prevalent in urban residents, women, older, and obese individuals. Bullet points of the study highlights What is already known? Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in many populations. GERD is associated with obesity and lifestyle factors. What are new findings in this study? Community-based study from southern India showing 8.2% prevalence of GERD. Urban residence, older age, infrequent milk intake were associated with GERD. What are the future clinical and research implications of the study findings? Targeted education and prevention in high risk group. Identifying specific factors in urban lifestyle associated with GERD. * Balakrishnan Siddartha Ramakrishna wurama@hotmail.com 1 Department of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632 004, India 2 Department of Biostatistics, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632 004, India Indian Journal of Gastroenterology https://doi.org/10.1007/s12664-018-00931-6