Heartburn in a Sri Lankan community in the UK

Abstract

Purpose

The aims of this study are to assess the prevalence and timings of heartburn symptoms in a Sri Lankan population living in the UK and to identify diet and lifestyle symptom triggers.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 60 Sri Lankan adults, aged between 18 and 66 years completed a background questionnaire and a nine‐item gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) impact scale.

Findings

Application of the GORD impact scale verified that all participants experienced heartburn symptoms on a weekly basis. Episodes of heartburn tend to occur post‐prandially. Diet and lifestyle factors were found to trigger heartburn symptoms particularly consuming spicy foods.

Research limitations/implications

The incidence of heartburn in Sri Lankans may be due to the process of acculturation to the Western diet and lifestyle.

Originality/value

This paper shows that Sri Lankans are susceptible to symptoms of heartburn.

Citation

Sivathasan, K. and Davies, J. (2011), "Heartburn in a Sri Lankan community in the UK", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 41 No. 5, pp. 319-325. https://doi.org/10.1108/00346651111170914