Infant and Child GORD Diagnosis and Experiences Survey NZ
2021/2022 vs 2006
In 2006 the Gastric Reflux Support Network carried out a survey “to identify the problems that may exist with diagnosis in New Zealand of gastric reflux disease in infants, the impact that this has on families, the treatment and support that is offered and finally the most useful treatments and the ages which children outgrow gastric reflux disease.” The results of the survey were used as the basis of an article entitled “Gastro-oesophageal Reflux: Children’s Experiences and Family Well-Being in the Face of an ‘Invisible’ Disability” – co-authored by Judith Duncan, Children’s Issues Centre, University of Otago and Roslyn Ballantyne, Gastric Reflux Support Network NZ.
We were interested to see if the impacts of GORD on the family have changed and started a similar informal survey in 2021.
The purpose of 2021/2022’s survey was to attempt to identify diagnosis delays, access to healthcare and support, the duration of gastric reflux disease in children and the impact of all these factors on families.”
We were keen to compare results between the two surveys and share this with health professionals as part of our Awareness Week campaign.
The results of the survey led to us deciding on the theme “We hear you” for National Infant and Child Gastric Reflux Awareness Week 2022.
The following are quotes taken from the survey about how parents felt in response to feeling listened to or not.
Didn’t feel listened to:
Taken from Q6: “If you didn’t feel listened to, how did this make you feel?”
- “Overwhelmed not knowing which health professional to listen to”
- “so hopeless”
- “Confused and unsure “
- “Upset, crying “
- “Embarrassed for wasting their time”
- “Exhausted, sad, worried”
- “Depressed/hopeless “
Quotes used with permission.
Felt heard / listened to:
Taken from Q25: “Do you have any further comments?”
- “…The GP who believed me and helped me took all the weight off my shoulders…”
- “Having a good GP makes a huge difference. One that believes you and is willing to try…”
- “Ended up changing doctors and then we finally felt heard. Saw a great new GP and got the right medication and a plan for management.”
- “… It amazes me that after all the doctors we saw it was almost at random we saw this doctor and had the issue solved with the change for our son apparently immediately.”
- “Our GP has been amazing. Listened to us and respected our thoughts and opinions….”
Full Survey Charts and Graphs:
Infant-and-Child-GORD-Diagnosis-and-Experiences-Survey-NZ-2021-2022-vs-2006.pdf
Written Summary including some charts:
Infant-and-Child-GORD-Diagnosis-and-Experiences-Survey-NZ-2021-2022-vs-2006-Summary.pdf
Gastric reflux disease is defined as:
GORD occurs when stomach acids are “refluxed” into the oesophagus/throat and cause inflammation and discomfort/pain, or other complications such as feeding or breathing problems. There may or may not be spilling or vomiting. (GORD https://www.cryingoverspiltmilk.co.nz/treatment)
