Prevalence and risk factor of gastro-esophageal reflux disease among university student in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Gastro-esophageal reflux disease is among the highest prevalent disorders in Europe, the United States as well as in Saudi Arabia. It has an impact on quality of life and can lead to serious complications. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalent of Gastro-esophageal reflux disease among college students and the risk factors associated with it. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among university students in Saudi Arabia using a multi stage random sample technique. An online valid questionnaire including demographic data, and questions related to risk factors of GERD was used for data collection. Collected data was entered and analyzed using SPSS program. Results: Our total sample was 246 participants. The prevalent of GERD among participants were 45 (18.3%). Male and female were (54.1%), (45.9%) respectively. The average age was 21.37 years. The only statistically significant factor was family history (45.9%, 0.015 p-value). In contrast, there was no association between GERD's prevalence and gender, age, and any other risk factor (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Our investigation discovered that university students in Saudi Arabia had a lower prevalence of GERd than the general population. The only risk factor we found that can cause GERD in university students was family history. In our sample, we weren't able to identify any additional risk factors or protective factors related to GERd.