Burden of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in the United States: Results of a Nationally Representative Survey of Over 71,000 Americans.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional survey of a general population sample
PubMed 30323268 · doi:10.1038/s41395-018-0256-8
What was done
Researchers conducted the National GI Survey, a cross-sectional study of a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling Americans using the MyGiHealth mobile app. The application administered National Institutes of Health GI Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scales alongside comorbidity and demographic questionnaires. The study measured self-reported prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms over the past week and analyzed predictors using multivariable logistic regression.
What was found
Among 71,812 respondents, 61% reported experiencing at least one GI symptom in the past week. Prevalences of specific symptoms were: heartburn/reflux 30.9%, abdominal pain 24.8%, bloating 20.6%, diarrhea 20.2%, constipation 19.7%, nausea/vomiting 9.5%, dysphagia 5.8%, and bowel incontinence 4.8%. Females, non-Hispanic whites, younger individuals, highly educated individuals, and those with medical comorbidities were significantly more likely to report symptoms (all adjusted p < 0.05).
Why it matters
This study provides large-scale baseline data indicating that nearly two-thirds of American adults experience gastrointestinal symptoms in a typical week.
Limits
The study relied entirely on self-reported data collected via a mobile app, which carries risk of selection bias toward individuals with digital access or active symptoms. No clinical diagnoses, physical examinations, or objective physiological measures were included.
Cited by
- context Forty percent of Americans experience bowel habits that disrupt their daily lives.