Prevalence and Risk Factors for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Among Visitors to the Health Center of Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University

Abstract

Background A considerable majority of people have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a common gastrointestinal ailment. Globally, the prevalence of GERD has been rising, and it is linked to several risk factors. In this study, the incidence of GERD in a sample of the population was examined, along with the associated factors that may have an impact on it. Methodology The Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GERD-Q) was included in a self-administered survey given to 490 participants in a cross-sectional study to help determine who was more likely to have GERD. The questionnaire collected data on demographic elements, health-related traits, and past GERD diagnoses. Results The findings revealed that 32.7% of the individuals had previously received a GERD diagnosis. Of the patients, 17.1% had a GERD-Q score of 8 or above, which indicates a higher likelihood of having GERD. Participants who had previously been diagnosed with GERD had a noticeably greater incidence of GERD, and females had a higher incidence of GERD than males. The frequency of caffeine consumption was substantially correlated with the occurrence of GERD. Conclusion Our study emphasizes the value of early GERD diagnosis and therapy to reduce problems and enhance the quality of life for those who are affected. According to our research, coffee use, gender, and prior GERD diagnoses are all linked to an increased risk of developing GERD. The GERD-Q is a trustworthy and proven tool for GERD diagnosis and might be used in clinical practice to recognize GERD patients and offer suitable treatment. Additional research is required to determine how additional risk variables affect the prevalence of GERD.