A Study on Spectrum of Gastro Intestinal Diseases at Tertiary Care Centre of Alluri Sita Rama Raju Academy of Medical Sciences, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh

Introduction: The prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases markedly different between developed and developing countries because of impure water and variety of different food habits in India. In addition to that widespread illiteracy, low socioeconomic status, poor sanitation, our occupation style, customs, health seeking behaviour and also irrational use of pain killer drugs in the society. Objectives: 1. To determine the prevalence of different gastro-intestinal diseases at Out patient department of ASRAM Hospital. 2. To study the some risk factors associated with Gastro-intestinal Diseases.

Materials&Method: The present Hospital based descriptive study was conducted at out patient Department of ASRAM Hospital, Eluru during the period from June 2011 to November 2011. A total of 160 participants were selected from out patient Department of ASRAM Hospital, Eluru and also noted findings after relevant procedure (done by concerned specialty experts) completion of the patient. Importance of the study was explained to all the patients and informed consent also taken those who were participated in the study. Pretested study questionnaire was filled, demographic data, clinical data, endoscopic diagnosis also included and finally as per the gastroenterologist expert opinion final diagnosis was made and entered in the proforma. Results were critically analyzed with SPSS 17.0 Version and necessary statistical tests like proportions and chi square tests were applied.

Results: Out of 160 patients, 104 were males and 56 were females. Prevalence of different gastrointestinal diseases in the study population namely Acid Peptic diseases was 30% (which includes Gastro Oesophageal Reflex Disease (GERD), Gastric Ulcer and Duodenal Ulcer), Carcinoma stomach was 7.5%, liver disorders was 20% (Cirrhosis, Chronic HBV, Chronic HBC and Autoimmune Hepatitis) and lastly Other Diseases was 37.5% (which includes Amoebic Colitis, Carcinoma Lt and Rt. Colon, Ileocaecal TB and Ascitis). About 41% were consulted the Quack (unqualified Doctor) before visiting to the appropriate Gastroenterologist doctor. 37.5% were wasted <10000 rupees at different doctors before consultation of appropriate doctor in this study.

Conclusions: The prevalence of different gastrointestinal diseases was found to be higher as compared to other studies. We recommend that there is a need to increase our literacy status, behavioural change and awareness about their condition to consult appropriate doctor to minimize their unnecessary expenditure wastage at unqualified doctor. So that simple life style modifications and nutritional advice to the younger age can be initiated as early as possible and also periodical health checkups must be taken up for early identification of such gastrointestinal problems.