Prevalence of erosive esophagitis (EE) has been increasing in Korea. The purpose of this study was to estimate prevalence of EE among low socioeconomic population in Korea and to investigate risk factors for EE. We reviewed the medical records of 7,278 subjects who were examined by upper endoscopy in the Korean National Cancer Screening Program at Chung-Ang University Yong-san Hospital from March 2003 to March 2008. The study population included subjects ≥ 40 yr of age who were Medicaid recipients and beneficiaries in the National Health Insurance Corporation. Multivariate analysis was used to determine risk factors for EE. Prevalence of EE was 6.7% (486/7,278). According to the LA classification system, LA-A in 344 subjects, LA-B in 135 subjects, and LA-C and D in 7 subjects. In multivariate analysis, age ≥ 60 yr, male sex, BMI ≥ 25, current smoking, alcohol consumption, fasting glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dL, and endoscopic hiatal hernia were significant risk factors for EE. The prevalence of EE in low socioeconomic Korean population is similar to that in personal annual medical check-ups. Risk factors for EE among them include old age, male sex, BMI ≥ 25, current smoking, alcohol consumption, fasting glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dL, and hiatal hernia.
Keywords: Erosive Esophagitis; National Cancer Screening Program; Prevalence; Risk Factors.