Objective: To analyze the association of gastrointestinal symptoms and sleep disturbance after Wen-Chuan earthquake.
Methods: Using random sampling method, compared with Beijing publics at the same time, within two weeks, questionnaire was performed in the disaster area population. Gastrointestinal symptoms were diagnosed according to the Rome III standard, and were analyzed in relation to sleep investigation.
Results: Among 956 disaster area individuals, 459 (48.0%) have gastrointestinal symptoms. Among 1021 Beijing publics, the corresponding number was 78 (7.6%), which was significantly lower. The main gastrointestinal symptoms included abdominal pain (14.0%), distension (12.1%), constipation (10.3%), heartburn (8.6%) and dysporia (8.3%). Compared with Beijing publics (24.4%), the disaster area publics (83.7%) with gastrointestinal symptoms had significant differences in sleep disturbance (P < 0.05). Early awakening with acratia had significant differences in disaster area publics (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: There was relatively high incidence of gastrointestinal symptom after Wen-Chuan earthquake. The incidence of gastrointestinal symptom was related to sleep disturbance, and gastrointestinal symptoms were related to early awakening with acratia.