PhD Confirmation Seminar: The epidemiology and risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett’s esophagus

Sabrina Wang

Location: https://unimelb.zoom.us/j/647438700

PhD Candidate: Miss Sabrina Wang (BPharm, MPH)

Supervisors: Prof Dallas English, A/Prof Allison Hodge, A/Prof Bradley Kendall

Abstract: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the strongest risk factor for Barrett’s esophagus, and Barrett’s esophagus is the only known precursor for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma incidence have been on the rise. Some suggest the increasing prevalence of obesity and the decreasing prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection may play a role in the rising incidence of these diseases. This PhD aims to identify modifiable risk factors for GERD and Barrett’s esophagus, and to understand the relationships between obesity, Helicobacter pylori infection, GERD and their effects on Barrett’s esophagus. I will utilise data from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study, and employ statistical methods for causal inference.