Perception of Gastric Acid-Related Symptoms and Reasons for Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors: A Population-Based Study
Keywords:
Problems of gastric, Gastric acid-related symptoms, Falsely interpreted symptoms, Inappropriate use of PPIs, Prescribing authorityAbstract
Background: Retrosternal burning and upper abdominal pain or burning are well-established symptoms related to gastric hydrochloric acid. In our day-to-day practice, population perception of gastric acid-related symptoms is variable and interesting, like incomplete bowel evacuation, belching, headache, vertigo, in addition to typical acid peptic symptoms.
Materials and Methods: This observational study was done at the field level to find out the population perception of symptoms related to gastric acid, which is popularly known as “Problems of Gastric”, their demographic profile, reasons for using PPIs, and to determine the prescribing
authorities.
Results: Among 367 participants, 55.22% were between 21-40 years of age group with mean age of 36.19 ± 12.07 years, and the majority were male (77.4%). A total of 64% of participants think that they have got “Problems of gastric.” Among this group, 67.66% had gastric acid-related symptoms (Retrosternal burning 48.51% and upper abdominal pain/burning 28.51%), and the remaining 32.34% had falsely interpreted their symptoms as “Problems of gastric”. Even 42% of lawyers, 32% of medical promotion officers, and 18% of doctors falsely interpreted their symptoms as originating from gastric acid. The prevalence of acid peptic-related symptoms among study participants was 43.32%. In this study, more than 50% participants were taking medicine by themselves and 39.57% were prescribed by the physician. A total of 31.53% of participants were taking proton pump inhibitors for inappropriate indications.
Conclusion: Misinterpretation of gastric acid related symptoms are noticed among all studied communities including the well-educated population. Inappropriate use of PPIs for various disorders not related to gastric acid is also very common. Health education and awareness development regarding gastric acid related symptoms is very important, and PPIs should be available only with prescription.
