- Follow-up Evaluation Shows Increased Disease Awareness Levels, However,
More Doctor Visits Are Still Needed -
WILMINGTON, Del., May 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Over the last three
years, Hispanic-Americans have become increasingly aware of a potentially
serious condition called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), also known
as Acid Reflux Disease. Approximately 6.1 million Hispanics in the United
States suffer from GERD(1). A new survey measured GERD awareness and
understanding among 1,000 Hispanic-Americans in the top-five U.S. markets,
by Hispanic-American population. The survey was designed to evaluate
whether or not progress in GERD education had occurred, as a follow-up to a
2005 survey conducted by Impacto Group LLC. It was revealed that 69 percent
are familiar with common terms used to describe GERD, a progressive
increase from the prior survey, which showed 34 percent were familiar with
common terms to describe the condition(2).
While increased awareness of GERD was reported on the rise, the survey
also showed that the number of Hispanic-Americans consulting a doctor about
their symptoms has remained unchanged since 2005. This is an important and
revealing statistic, as it is often necessary to work closely with
physicians when managing GERD symptoms. A majority of Hispanic-Americans
surveyed were aware that when left untreated, GERD can cause damage to the
lining of the esophagus(3), yet over half of them who reported suffering
from GERD have not consulted a doctor(4). Similarly in 2005, 57 percent
revealed they had not consulted a doctor(1).
In addition, 47 percent of Hispanic-Americans reported they are
frequently treating their symptoms with over-the-counter products and home
remedies(5). This compares to 62 percent in 2005(6).
"The results from the follow-up survey are encouraging, as they
demonstrate that Hispanic-Americans are taking a more proactive role in
their personal healthcare, and becoming more informed about the prevalence
of GERD in their community," said Marta Illueca, MD, a specialist in
gastroenterology at AstraZeneca (NYSE: AZN) who pioneered the original
survey. "But with more than six million Hispanic-Americans suffering from a
condition that can severely impact their daily lifestyles, it becomes
increasingly imperative for us to understand the signs and symptoms of GERD
and talk with our doctors to help diagnose and treat the disease."
The latest survey also revealed that Hispanic-Americans are now
increasingly able to identify symptoms of the condition. Sixty-five percent
of respondents said they or someone in their household currently suffers
from GERD-related symptoms two or more times a week(7). The symptoms most
commonly experienced by those surveyed included: heartburn, belching, an
acidic or sour taste in the mouth, hoarseness or persistent coughing(8). In
2005, only 38 percent identified themselves or someone in their household
as suffering from heartburn, and 32 percent said they or someone in their
household suffered from such symptoms(1).
GERD Awareness Survey Results -- Regional Perspective:
-- Out of the top-five U.S. markets by Hispanic-American population,
Houston had the highest awareness levels of GERD (75%), trailed by
Chicago and Los Angeles (tied at 71%), Miami (70%) and New York
(56%)(9).
-- Houston also had the highest rate of respondents with GERD experience
(53%) including those who either personally suffered from GERD or
heartburn, or someone in their household suffering from the condition,
two or more times a week(10).
-- Results from other markets included: Miami (44%), New York City
(42%), Chicago and Los Angeles (39%)(10).
-- New York City had the highest rate of respondents (48%) who consulted
with their doctor about acid reflux followed by Miami (47%), Chicago
(43%), Houston (41%) and Los Angeles (39%)(11).
GERD, which occurs when contents of the stomach back up into the
esophagus, is often mistaken for occasional heartburn because frequent,
persistent heartburn is the most common symptom of the disease. This can be
a misconception, as GERD is a chronic condition and, if left untreated, may
potentially lead to more serious medical conditions, such as erosion of the
esophagus.
GERD affects a large portion of the Hispanic-American community, but
anyone can develop the disease. Risk increases with age, but symptoms of
the condition can be alleviated with proper treatment. Consulting a
physician and staying updated on new information released regarding the
condition are best for determining the right options for keeping symptoms
of GERD under control. For more information about Acid Reflux Disease and
treatment, please visit http://www.familiassanas.com or call
1-866-271-7278.
About the GERD Awareness Survey
The GERD Awareness survey was conducted by StrategyOne, an applied
research consulting firm on behalf of AstraZeneca, as a follow-up to a 2005
survey conducted by Impacto Group LLC. The survey polled 1,000
Hispanic-Americans in the top-five U.S. markets by Hispanic-American
population including: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and New York
from April 3, 2008 through April 23, 2008. The survey, which has a margin
of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent at the 95 percent confidence level,
was conducted using the field services of Opinion Access and Computer
Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI).
About GERD
Approximately 60 million American adults experience gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD) symptoms more than twice a week. GERD is
characterized by frequent and persistent heartburn, which occurs when the
lower esophageal sphincter (the valve separating the esophagus and stomach)
does not close properly, allowing acid to back up into the esophagus. GERD
is chronic and, if left untreated, may potentially lead to more serious
medical conditions.
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the
research, development, manufacturing and marketing of meaningful
prescription medicines and supplier for healthcare services. AstraZeneca is
one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies with healthcare sales
of $29.55 billion and is a leader in gastrointestinal, cardiovascular,
neuroscience, respiratory, oncology and infectious disease medicines. In
the United States, AstraZeneca is a 13.35 billion dollar healthcare
business with 12,200 employees committed to improving people's lives.
AstraZeneca is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (Global) as
well as the FTSE4Good Index. For more information, visit
http://www.astrazeneca-us.com.
(1) Cheskin Research, August 2004. Slide 21.
(2) GERD Hispanic Awareness Study. Strategy One on behalf of AstraZeneca.
April 2008 and Five-City Hispanic Survey to Test Awareness of Acid
Reflux. Impacto Group LLC on behalf of AstraZeneca. August 2005. Pg.
8.
(3) GERD Hispanic Awareness Study. Strategy One on behalf of AstraZeneca.
April 2008. Line 188.
(4) GERD Hispanic Awareness Study. Strategy One on behalf of AstraZeneca.
April 2008. Line 155.
(5) GERD Hispanic Awareness Study. Strategy One on behalf of AstraZeneca.
April 2008. Lines 170 and 174.
(6) GERD Hispanic Awareness Study. Strategy One on behalf of AstraZeneca.
April 2008. Pg 17.
(7) GERD Hispanic Awareness Study. Strategy One on behalf of AstraZeneca.
April 2008. Line 127.
(8) GERD Hispanic Awareness Study. Strategy One on behalf of AstraZeneca.
April 2008. Lines 129 -135.
(9) GERD Hispanic Awareness Study. Strategy One on behalf of AstraZeneca.
April 2008. Line 91.
(10) GERD Hispanic Awareness Study. Strategy One on behalf of AstraZeneca.
April 2008. Line 108.
(11) GERD Hispanic Awareness Study. Strategy One on behalf of AstraZeneca.
April 2008. Line 155.
SOURCE AstraZeneca
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Related links:
http://www.astrazeneca-us.com
http://www.familiassanas.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/985887.html /
CONTACT:
Blair Hains, +1-302-885-1813,
blair.hains@astrazeneca.com, or Corey Windett, +1-302-885-0034,
corey.windett@astrazeneca.com, both of AstraZeneca
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