The aim of the study was to investigate the psychological factors influence the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and their effect on quality of life in Korean Fire Fighters.

This study examined data collected from 1217 fire fighters. Depression and Anxiety were identified using the Patient health questionnaire-9(PHQ-9) and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale. Occupational stress and Stress coping were identified using the KOSS-26 and the Ways of Coping Checklist-Revised. Self-esteem and quality of life were identified using the Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale and World Health Organization quality of life scale abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF). The scores for anxiety, depression and QoL of the two groups were analyzed. The correlation between psychological factors and QoL was also analyzed.

Current psychological variables were associated with increased odds of concurrent GERD-related symptoms. Current depression, anxiety and stress were associated with increased odds of GERD-related symptoms. According to the WHOQOL-BREF, depression, anxiety, stress, stress coping and self-esteem were significantly correlated with quality of life in patients with GERD. Quality of life was obviously affected by psychological variables in patients with GERD.

These results indicate that psychological symptomatology, depression, anxiety, occupational stress and self-esteem are associated with GERD-related symptoms. Acknowledging this common comorbidity may facilitate recognition and treatment, and opens new questions as to the pathways and mechanisms of the association.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.