Health related quality of life is associated with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in overweight children

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The association between obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is well-established in adults; however, data in pediatric population is scarce. Our study aimed to assess the association between GERD and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in overweight children. Methods From April to August of 2020, we included children aged 7–18 years who attended the Endocrinological Outpatient Clinic at the Paediatric Institute, University of Debrecen, Hungary. The participants completed two questionnaires: the Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptom Questionnaire (PGSQ) and the HRQoL questionnaire (PedsQL). Based on the criteria of the World Health Organization (WHO), the patients were categorized into two groups: an overweight or obese group and a group with normal weight. Results A total of 107 children (51 % female, mean age 13.2 years, 46 % overweight or obese) completed the questionnaires. The median PGSQ score was similar in both groups (4.0 (IQR: 1.0–7.8) vs. 3.0 (IQR: 1.0–7.0), p=0.6). However, the total PedsQL score was significantly lower in the children with overweight or obesity compared to those with normal weight (80.1 (71.1–91.0) vs. 88.0 (76.1–94.6), p=0.031). The PedsQL score was lower among overweight patients with GERD symptoms than that of normal-weight patients without GERD symptoms. Conclusions Our findings highlight the importance of raising awareness about GERD to enhance the HRQoL and prevent long-term complications in obese children.