Work-related factors for erosive esophagitis

Gastroesophageal reflux disorders have become an important problem in the recent years. Modern lifestyle, habits, old age and obesity are known contributors to this problem. However, the contribution of work-related factors has been unclear. This study aims to examine work-related factors of erosive esophagitis (EE) as diagnosed by endoscopy.
The study subjects are people currently employed, and go through a regular physical examination including upper gastrointestinal panendoscopy in a health examination center of northern Taiwan. Consecutive recruitment is done. Erosive esophagitis was diagnosed based on the Los Angeles classification by endoscopy.
A total of 636 currently employed participants undergo panendoscopy and complete the questionnaire satisfactorily and included for the final statistical analysis. Among the participants, 144 (23%) are found to have EE. Work-related factors significantly associated with EE are having meals while working (aOR=2.27, CI=1.18-4.54), taking afternoon nap at the desk (aOR=4.07, CI=2.40-6.97), long sitting time at work (aOR=2.67, CI=1.45-5.07), and active job content group by Job Content Questionnaire (aOR=2.49, CI=1.35-4.64) after adjusting for traditional risk factors of male gender, older age, high body mass index, ever smoking, and exercise habit.
We conclude that work-related factors cannot be ignored when managing gastroesophageal reflux disorders in currently employed people.