OBJECTIVES: GERD is a frequent condition among the general population, which is not often properly diagnosed or treated. The study aimed to depict the prevalence of GERD within a primary care setting, assess symptoms severity and frequency in GERD patients, and to examine the association between GERD and aspirin/NSAIDs use. METHODS: A total of 2878 individuals (M/F: 1411/1467, mean age 55, 19±14,5 years, BMI 26, 7±3, 9 Kg/m2) visiting 300 Primary Care Practitioners (PCP) between November-December 2005 were included. Demographic and medical history data including aspirin/NSAID use, the presence and severity-frequency of GERD and dyspepsia symptoms were recorded, using a structured questionnaire. GERD (heartburn, regurgitation) and dyspepsia (epigastric pain, early satiety, postprandial fullness) diagnoses were based on widely accepted epidemiological criteria.RESULTS:The main reasons for patients visiting PCPs were prescription renewal (32.9%) and consultation for upper GI symptoms (28.6%). GERD symptoms were reported by 57.4% and dyspepsia by 67.6% of the 2878 patients during the last week before visiting their PCP. Among patients with upper GI symptoms, GERD or dyspepsia was reported almost equally as predominant symptom by 34.2% and 35.6% of patients respectively, while another 4.9% reported symptoms of both diagnoses as predominant. GERD symptoms were mild in 33%, moderate in 40% and severe in 12% of the patients, while present for 2 days/week in 29%, 3-5 days/week in 39% and 6-7 days/week in 17% of cases. GERD and/or dyspepsia symptoms were reported by 81.7% of users and as opposed to 62.5% of non-aspirin/NSAID users during the last two weeks before visiting their PCP (P=0.043). CONCLUSIONS:In patients who use primary care health resources, GERD symptoms are highly prevalent (57%), being present for at least 2 days/week in 85% and of moderate/severe intensity in more than 50% of symptomatic patients. Aspirin/NSAID use substantially increases prevalence of GERD and dyspepsia symptoms.