Study of Knowledge attitude and Practice of Non-pharmacological measures in patients with Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its complications are very common all over the world as well as in India. Although pharmacological measures are very useful, nonpharmacological measures can give promising results in its management. Objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of nonpharmacological measures to control symptoms in patients with GERD. Materials and Methods: An interview of total 100 patients suffering from GERD not on pharmacological management was conducted. Their demographic details and responses to the questions were noted in the questionnaire. Results: Knowledge and practice about avoidance of large meals before lying down, avoidance of smoking, alcohol and tobacco chewing, weight loss and avoiding constricting cloths were very much compromised while knowledge and practice about avoidance of caffeine, carbonated beverages, spicy and citrus foods and fatty meals were at acceptable stage. About 20% of the study population said that GERD can be treated by drugs alone i.e. they were not aware of non-pharmacological measures. Conclusion: In patients with GERD, knowledge and practice regarding avoidance of fatty foods, spicy foods, citrus foods, caffeine and carbonated beverages is good but that of avoidance of smoking and tobacco chewing, alcohol, weight reduction, avoiding constricting cloths and avoidance of large meals before lying down is lacking. So, when we treat patients with GERD, areas of lacking knowledge and practice as mentioned above must be focused while motivating for the life style modification