The prevalence of dyspepsia symptoms and its correlation with the quality of life among Qashqai Turkish migrating nomads in Fars Province, Southern Iran

Objectives: to determine the prevalence of dyspepsia and its correlation with quality of life in fars qashqai turkish migrating nomads from southern iran. methods: during 2010 we enrolled 397 qashqai migrating nomads from southern iran who were 25 years of age or older. participants completed a questionnaire that consisted of demographic factors, lifestyle data, gastrointestinal symptoms, and the short-form 36 health survey (sf-36) questionnaire. results: there was a 48% prevalence of dyspepsia symptoms among participants. the prevalence was higher among females, those less than 35 years of age, married participants, and those with a low body mass index (bmi). the correlation between dyspepsia and quality of life was significant. dyspeptic patients were classified into ulcer-like (27.9%), dysmotility-like (26.2%), and unspecified (45.9%) groups. a significant correlation existed between dyspepsia symptoms and consumption of dairy products, drinking water and tea before and after meals, smoking, dysphagia, reflux, heartburn, and use of non-steroid antiinflammatory drugs and acetaminophen. conclusion: the high prevalence of dyspepsia in qashqai nomads necessitates educational health programs for the migrating tribes in order to decrease prevalence of this disease.