Prevalence and risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease among Shaqra University students, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction:Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common chronic gastrointestinal disorders in adults, it develops when the stomach contents reflux and rise up into the esophagus as a result from lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction. Stomach acid that touches the lining of the esophagus causes symptoms and complications. The classical symptoms of GERD include heartburn, usually after eating, chest pain, and regurgitation.Aim:To measure the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease and determine its risk factors among the students of Shaqra University.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire distributed among Shaqra University students after multistage stratification and random sampling technique to stratify students according to gender and the three main colleges in Shaqra city, Saudi Arabia. The sample size was determined to be 435 with the precision of ± 5% and a 95% confidence interval (CI). The questionnaire included demographic data like age, gender, height and weight, lifestyle, and dietary habits. Statistical data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. Results with a P value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results:A total of 400 [227 (56%) male and 173 (43%) female] participants were evaluated. And 95 participants got a gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire score of ≥8 thus determining the prevalence of GERD to be 23.8%. Univariate analysis revealed that gender, smoking, familial history of GERD, high body mass index (>25 kg/m2), fast food, tea, carbonated beverages consumption, quick eating, and sleeping within 1 hour of dinner are associated with symptomatic GERD (P < 0.05).Conclusion:The results show a high prevalence of GERD in Shaqra university students and the presence of many modifiable risk factors which merits the conduction of public health campaigns to raise awareness about the disease and its risk factors.

Prevalence and Determinants of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and the Risk Factors Among Adult Patients Attending Al-Iskan Primary Health Care Center in Makkah, 2020

“…Even though the presented percentage of males and females in our study was not representative of the population, it followed a similarity when compared to major studies with no significance found in terms of gender [8,9,18]. However, Alrashed et al [11] indicated that the male population was at higher risk for developing GERD and supported their results through a report in India that revealed similar findings [13].…”

“…After summation of the scores, the patients who scored an 8 or more were considered positive for GERD. GerdQ sensitivity and specificity for GERD diagnosis was 65% and 71%, respectively [10,11].…”

“…Furthermore, it was filled by the clinician in case of illiteracy or difficulty doing it themselves. The first part consisted of questions about the sociodemographic data of the patients, the second part was related to different risk factors and personal habits, and the third part was the gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GerdQ); a diagnostic tool for GERD [10,11].…”

Usefulness of Robinia pseudoacacia in the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

“…9 The incidence of GERD was more in the BMI group of 26 to 28 kg/m 2 (n ¼ 10) which is in consonance with previous studies. [10][11][12] The prominent clinical symptoms were heartburn, regurgitation, water brash and nausea. As per GerdQ, 28 cases were moderate and two cases were severe.…”

Clinical Manifestation of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Associated With Autoimmune Thyroiditis in Young Persons

“…This has its equivalent of load: chronic stress and a period of complete relaxation. Such a distribution of time is one of the factors in the formation of the disease: during the exams "there is no time to get sick", and after they end -a long period of rest without attention to the health [17].…”