New Survey Reveals Hispanic-Americans Are Taking Steps to Better Understand and M...( - Follow-up Evaluation Shows Increas...),Health

- 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 bec
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