Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Southwestern Saudi Arabia

Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Its Impact on the Quality of Life Among Obese Individuals in Al-Baha Region, Saudi Arabia

Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a global gastrointestinal disorder, and obesity is a particular risk factor. Symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn and acid reflux, are caused by abnormal relaxation in the lower esophagus, causing gastric acid reflux. Persistent symptoms can affect the patient's quality of life (QOL) and can cause complications, such as esophageal adenocarcinoma. Management of GERD includes lifestyle changes, antacids, and anti-reflux surgery. Even though GERD is a common disease, few research has been carried out on it in Saudi Arabia. Aim This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of GERD and its associated risk factors among obese individuals in the Al-Baha region population and the effect of GERD on their QOL. Methods A cross-sectional study included 314 obese participants from the Al-Baha region. A questionnaire was filled out to measure the prevalence of GERD, risk factors, and effects on the QOL of the participants. Data were analyzed by the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 26.0 (released 2019, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Descriptive statistics and the chi-squared test were applied. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with the incidence of GERD. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 314 patients who met our inclusion criteria completed the survey; 42% of them were women, the mean age of all patients was 35.3 ± 12.9 years, and 38.2% of the patients were diagnosed with GERD. Epigastric pain and burning sensation were the most common symptoms (44.9%). Five out of six domains in the QOL questionnaire showed more effects among GERD participants than non-GERD participants, and the results were statistically significant (p = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that men are 1.8 times more likely than women to be diagnosed with GERD, and smokers have 2.6 times the risk of being diagnosed with GERD than non-smokers. Conclusion The present study showed a high prevalence of GERD among obese patients in the Al-Baha region, negatively affecting their QOL. Major risk factors included gender, smoking, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Public health programs to raise awareness of these risk factors and lifestyle habits are necessary to improve QOL and prevent complications.

Factors influencing the quality of life of GERD patients in the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common upper gastrointestinal disorder characterized by troublesome symptoms, including heartburn and acid regurgitation. GERD is associated with complications such as peptic stricture, Barrett's esophagus, and esophageal adenocarcinoma, and it negatively affects quality of life (QoL).

Aims

To assess the factors influencing the QoL of GERD patients in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia.

Settings and Design

This descriptive cross-sectional study used self-administered questionnaires in a study population of patients aged ≥18 years from Aseer, Saudi Arabia, between January 15, 2023-February 15, 2023.

Materials and Methods

A previously validated GERD health-related QoL (GERD-HRQoL) questionnaire was used to assess the patients' sociodemographic data, GERD, and GERD-HRQoL.

Statistical Analysis Used

Descriptive analysis included describing the frequency distribution and percentage for study variables, including demographic data, GERD-related QoL symptoms, and QoL, which were graphed. Cross-tabulation presented the distribution of GERD-HRQoL scores by their personal data and other factors using the Pearson Chi-square and exact probability tests.

Results

Overall, 502 participants previously diagnosed with GERD completed the questionnaire. Participants' were aged 18-65 years (mean age of 31.5 ± 14.6 years), and 384 (76.5%) were male. The most frequent symptom affecting QoL was heartburn (85.9%), followed by postprandial heartburn (84.3%), heartburn while lying down (82.7%), bloating or gassy feelings (79.9%), and heartburn while standing up (77.3%).

Conclusions

Our study showed that patients with GERD had a poor QoL due to GERD-related symptoms, mainly heartburn. Younger age, male sex, and lower educational status were associated with lower GERD-HRQoL scores.

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

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.

Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms Post Sleeve Gastrectomy in Al-Qassim Region

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

After sleeve gastrectomy, heartburn sensation and regurgitation are frequent postoperative consequences. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of heartburn sensation and regurgitation symptoms among patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy, as well as the relationship between demographic variables and the presence and severity of these symptoms.

METHODOLOGY

This cross-sectional study included 290 patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy in the Al-Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire that assessed the presence and severity of heartburn and regurgitation symptoms. Demographic data, including age, gender, smoking status, and the date of bariatric surgery, were also collected.

RESULTS

The results showed that heartburn and regurgitation were common symptoms among patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy, with 78% and 73.9% of patients reporting these symptoms, respectively. 11.5% of patients who experienced severe symptoms of regurgitation, and 6.4% of patients with severe heartburn reported serious symptoms that affected their lives by causing an inability to perform daily activities. Age and the date of bariatric surgery were significant factors associated with heartburn and regurgitation symptoms. Patients aged 25-35 years reported the highest prevalence of heartburn symptoms, and the more recent surgery; dated less than one year ago had the highest prevalence of heartburn symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Patients who have sleeve gastrectomy frequently experience heartburn and regurgitation, which can have a substantial influence on their quality of life. Routine evaluation and treatment of heartburn and regurgitation symptoms should be an integral component of postoperative care. Younger patients and those who undergo surgery in the early postoperative period may be at a greater risk for developing heartburn and regurgitation symptoms, necessitating more active measures to treat these symptoms.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and associated factors among university students in Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2021: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptom is a relapsing chronic medical condition resulting from the reflux of gastric acid contents into the esophagus and throat or mouth. It interferes with social functioning, sleep, productivity, and quality of life. Despite this, the magnitude of GERD symptoms is not known in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated factors of GERD symptoms among university students in the Amhara national regional state.

METHODS

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was employed in Amhara national regional state Universities, from April 1, 2021, to May 1, 2021. Eight hundred and forty-six students were included in the study. A stratified multistage sampling technique was employed. Data were collected by using a pretested self-administered questionnaire. Data were entered via Epi Data version 4.6.0.5 and analyzed by SPSS version-26 software. The bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were used to determine the associated factors of GERD symptoms. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. Variables having a p-value of ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The prevalence of GERD symptoms in this study was 32.1% (95% CI = 28.7-35.5%). Being in the age of 20-25 years (AOR = 1.74, 95%CI = 1.03-2.94), female (AOR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.15-2.41), use of antipain (AOR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.65-3.69) and soft drinks (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.13-2.20) were significantly associated with higher odds of GERD symptoms. Urban dwellers had less chance of having GERD symptoms (AOR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.48-0.94).

CONCLUSION

Nearly one-third of university students are affected by GERD symptoms. Age, sex, residence, use of antipain, and consumption of soft drinks were significantly associated with GERD. Reducing modifiable risk factors such as antipain use and soft drink consumption among students is advisable to decrease the disease burden.

Relationship of Gastroesophageal Flap Valve with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Assessed Based on GerdQ Scores and Endoscopic Images

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms or complications. The gastroesophageal flap valve (GEFV) is one of the protective structures against esophageal reflux. This study aimed to determine the relationship between GEFV, measured by Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GerdQ) scores, and the endoscopic features of GERD patients. Method: This observational cross-sectional study was performed at Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital Makassar from August 2021 to October 2021. The participants were GERD patients who met the inclusion criteria. They were diagnosed using GerdQ scores and endoscopic features based on the Los Angeles criteria. The GEFV was assessed using retroflection endoscopy according to Hill’s criteria. Data analysis used SPSS version 25. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used to assess data normality, along with the Chi-square test and calculation of odds ratio (OR). The results of the statistical tests were significant if p<0.05. Results: This study included 100 GERD patients: 49 men and 51 women. They had a mean age of 40.5±12.8 years and a mean body mass index of 22.4±3.8 kg/m2. Abnormal GEFV was a risk for a GerdQ score of ≥8 compared to <8 (OR 4.56; 95% CI 1.53–13.52). Both normal and abnormal GEFV in esophagitis reflux were higher than in non-erosive reflux disease (p=0.943). Conclusion: Abnormal GEFV was a risk factor for GERD based on a GerdQ score of 8, at 4.56 times higher than with normal GEFV. No statistically significant relationship existed between GEFV and endoscopic images.

Dietary Intake in Relation to the Risk of Reflux Disease: A Systematic Review

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition which has a high global prevalence. Dietary intake is considered to be a contributing factor for GERD. However, scientific evidence about the effect of diet on the risk of GERD is controversial. This systematic review was conducted to address this issue. A comprehensive structured search was performed using the MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to August 2020, in accordance with the PRISMA statement. No restrictions were set in terms of language, time of publication, or study location. Study selection and data abstraction was conducted independently by two authors, and risk of bias was assessed using a modified Quality in Prognosis Studies Tool. Eligible studies evaluating the impact of food and dietary pattern on GERD were included in qualitative data synthesis. After excluding duplicate, irrelevant, and low quality studies, 25 studies were identified for inclusion: 5 case-control studies, 14 cross-sectional studies, and 6 prospective studies. This review indicates that high-fat diets, carbonated beverages, citrus products, and spicy, salty, and fried foods are associated with risk of GERD.

Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Associated Risk Factors in the Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common upper gastrointestinal disorder characterized by heartburn and acid regurgitation. A higher incidence is found in Arab countries. Untreated GERD has a negative impact on individuals that interfere with daily activities and impaired quality of life. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of GERD and associated risk factors in the Eastern region, Saudi Arabia.

Material & Methodology

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 1517 healthy participants from the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia from May to August 2021. The sample was randomly collected through a structured self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was composed of questions related to sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics as risk factors for GERD. The existence of GERD was assessed by using GERD Questionnaire (GerdQ) for diagnosing GERD, when the score is 8 or more.

Results

A total of 1517 participants were included in the study: 58.8% male, 41.2% female; 9% of whom were pregnant. The age of participants ranged from 18 to 58 with a mean age of 27.5 ± 11.4 years old. The existence of GERD was 20.6% among the total participants, in which their GerdQ scores were 3-7 (68.9%), 8-10 (22.1%), and 8-11 (8.5%). The higher risk groups of having GERD were pregnant women, smoker, being male, regular usage of analgesia, soft drinks, and having a family history of GERD.

Conclusion

This study showed the prevalence of GERD among the general population of the Eastern region, Saudi Arabia was 20.6%. Several sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics were associated with the disease. Further studies are needed to explore the role of psychological factors in developing GERD.

Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Disease and Associated Risk Factors Among the Population in Al-Qunfudah

Background and objective

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases worldwide. It causes an unpleasant effect on patients' lives and may lead to serious complications resulting in a significant burden on healthcare systems. Despite being a common gastrointestinal disease, very few studies have been conducted on the condition in Saudi Arabia; and there has never been a study to estimate the prevalence of GERD in the Al-Qunfudah Governorate. In light of this, we conducted this study with an aim to assess the prevalence of GERD and its associated risk factors among the Al-Qunfudah population.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Al-Qunfudah Governorate by using an online self-administrated questionnaire that was shared through social media during the first week of January 2021. The questionnaire consisted of a general section on sociodemographic data and a section on the diagnosis of GERD based on the validated gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GERD-Q). A total of 1,180 eligible participants responded to the questionnaire.

Results

Nearly one-third (32.9%) of the study participants had GERD based on their reported symptoms and calculated scores (GERD-Q score ≥8). About 14.8% of the participants (175/1,180) reported that they had already been diagnosed with GERD before their participation in our survey. Regarding risk factors of GERD, about 35% reported experiencing psychological stress, 28.3% had a family member diagnosed with GERD, and 18.1% were smokers; 49.4% of the participants had their symptoms aggravated by consuming fatty or fried food and 46.7% by spicy food. One of the factors that helped to relieve GERD symptoms was avoiding symptom-aggravating food, as reported by more than half (50.7%) of the participants.

Conclusion

The prevalence of GERD in the Al-Qunfudah population is high as the condition has affected one-third of the adult population. Our study confirms that male gender, age of 30 years or above, being overweight or obese, being married, smoking habit, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), having psychological stress, being asthmatic, or having a family history of GERD are factors that significantly increase the likelihood of developing GERD. The reported risk factors include experiencing psychological stress, a family history of GERD, high BMI, and smoking.

Epidemiological investigation, extraesophageal symptoms and risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Kashgar, Xinjiang, China

OBJECTIVE

To explore the incidence, distribution characteristics and related symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as well as its related risk factors in Kashgar, Xinjiang.

METHODS

From March 2020 to October 2020, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 5,080 permanent residents aged 18-80 years in Kashgar using cluster sampling and stratified sampling methods. The content included basic information, accompanying symptoms and diseases, living, customs and eating habits, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire score, etc. Results: The prevalence of GERD in Kashgar was 23.4% (1187/5080), and the proportions of patients with reflux symptoms lasting 1 day, 2-3 days and 4-7 days within a week were 12.5%, 6.4% and 4.4%, respectively. The proportion of patients showing symptoms in the GERD group was significantly higher than that in the non-GERD group (P<0.05). The proportion of people who are overweight or obese, take alcohol drink, eat, constipate, or take various chronic disease drugs in the GERD group is higher than that in the non-GERD group. The proportion of people in the GERD group who often eat sweet foods, pickled products, roasted products, spicy foods and meat, or drink coffee, acidic beverages, and cold drinks was higher than that in the non-GERD (P<0.05). The proportion of people in the GERD group who regularly consume fish, milk, eggs, vegetables, and fruits was significantly lower than that in non-GERD group (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis found that Uyghur nationality (for the Han nationality), age (for the 30-39 years group), drinking, overeat, constipation, and frequent medication were risk factors (P<0.05, OR>1). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that sweets, baked products, cold drinks, and spicy foods were independent risk factors (P<0.05, OR>1). Eggs and vegetables were protective factors (P<0.05, OR<1).

CONCLUSION

The high incidence of GRED in Kashgar, Xinjiang may be related to the local living environment, and life and eating habits.

Assessing the Frequency and Risk Factors Associated with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Purpose

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder with modifiable risk factors and it is associated with considerable health and economic burden. The current study was conducted to assess the frequency and risk factors related to GERD in the previously unstudied population of Southern Punjab, Pakistan.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted for assessing the frequency and risk factors of GERD by using a self-administered questionnaire. The gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GerdQ) was utilized to detect the presence of the disease.

Results

The study included 308 participants; among them, 55.2% were female and 44.8% were male. The participants diagnosed with GERD (GerdQ score ≥8) were 26.6%. The various risk factors like higher BMI, past disease and smoking history, frequent use of NSAIDs, soft drinks, pickles, and spicy foods were significantly associated with GERD.

Conclusion

The present study showed that GERD is prevalent in Southern Punjab and is associated with various modifiable risk factors. The ascendance of GERD can be prevented by public health education and awareness campaigns.

Prevalence and factors associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease among primary health care attendants at Abha city, southwestern Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is an abnormal reflux of the gastric content into the esophagus. In Saudi Arabia the GERD prevalence is not recently well studied.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease and associated factors among attendants of primary health care centers (PHCCs) at Abha city, Saudi Arabia.

METHOD

A descriptive cross- sectional study was performed using GerdQ as diagnostic tool for the GERD. The GerdQ consisted of six questions. Four questions were about the positive GERD predictors. The other two questions were about the negative GERD predictors. The scoring of GerdQ relies on the frequency of GERD symptoms during the last seven days. Using stratified random sample technique a representative sample was slected from the study PHCCs taking into conmsideration the relative catchment population in each center among adult males and females attending the selected PHCCs for any reason.

RESULTS

The present study included 320 persons. The study showed a prevalence of GERD of 67.8%. The prevalence of GERD with high impact on daily life (HIDL) was found to be 50%. By multiple logistic regression (enter method) only four significant independent factors associated with GERD were identified; being unmarried (aOR = 1.85, 95% CI:1.02-3.23); smoking (aOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.41-5.98), fast food intake (OR = 1.28, 95% CI:1.01-1.71), and subjective perception of stress (OR = 3.0, 95% CI:1.68-5.26).

CONCLUSIONS

GERD is a public health problem among adults in the region. Community level awareness programs are recommended. Healthcare providers must be aware of community perceptions and practices.

Habitual khat chewing alters urinary inorganic profile in adult healthy males

OBJECTIVES

Khat (Catha edulis) is a stimulant plant, and it is abusive to induce euphoria, alertness and activity. Concomitant use of medications and khat chewing predisposes to the appearance of drug interactions result in treatment failure or toxicity. This study determined the changes in the urinary inorganic profile in adult healthy males who are chewing khat compared with non-khat chewer males.

METHODS

A total of 40 adult non-smoker healthy males (20 khat chewer and 20 non-khat chewer) aged 24-30 years were selected. Khat chewer samples were positive for cathinone and cathine and negative for other drug of abuse, while non-khat chewer samples were negative for drug of abuse include cathinone and cathine. Samples were selected according to their results in immunoassay and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis. Cathine and cathinone were confirmed using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS) analysis. Inorganic profile includes titanium (Ti), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) were determined by using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

RESULTS

The levels of Ti, Co, Zn, Cd, and Pb in urine were significantly higher among the khat chewer group compared with non-khat chewer. Ti, Cd, Co, Pb and Zn urine levels were 0.5-, 1.5-, 1.15-, 5-, and 8.2-fold higher in the khat chewer group compared to non-khat chewer, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggested that continuous khat chewing has a long term effect on metabolic pathway of therapeutic drugs that result in toxicity or failure of therapy.

Habitual khat chewing alters urinary inorganic profile in adult healthy males

OBJECTIVES

Khat (Catha edulis) is a stimulant plant, and it is abusive to induce euphoria, alertness and activity. Concomitant use of medications and khat chewing predisposes to the appearance of drug interactions result in treatment failure or toxicity. This study determined the changes in the urinary inorganic profile in adult healthy males who are chewing khat compared with non-khat chewer males.

METHODS

A total of 40 adult non-smoker healthy males (20 khat chewer and 20 non-khat chewer) aged 24-30 years were selected. Khat chewer samples were positive for cathinone and cathine and negative for other drug of abuse, while non-khat chewer samples were negative for drug of abuse include cathinone and cathine. Samples were selected according to their results in immunoassay and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis. Cathine and cathinone were confirmed using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS) analysis. Inorganic profile includes titanium (Ti), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) were determined by using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

RESULTS

The levels of Ti, Co, Zn, Cd, and Pb in urine were significantly higher among the khat chewer group compared with non-khat chewer. Ti, Cd, Co, Pb and Zn urine levels were 0.5-, 1.5-, 1.15-, 5-, and 8.2-fold higher in the khat chewer group compared to non-khat chewer, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggested that continuous khat chewing has a long term effect on metabolic pathway of therapeutic drugs that result in toxicity or failure of therapy.

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

Globally, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has a potentially high prevalence, with a wide rate of variability across different populations due to inconsistency in the risk factors. Hence, a cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered, structured questionnaire at Al-Iskan Primary Health Care (PHC) Center to investigate the prevalence rate and associated factors in Makkah Almukarramah, the west of Saudi Arabia. The study included 339 participants. The mean age for participants was 39.5 ± 15.5 years, and the range was from 18 to 84 years. Male participants were 247 (72.9%) and females were 92 (27.1%). Participants were diagnosed with GERD on achieving a GERD questionnaire score of ≥8. In our sample, 59 (17.4%) were diagnosed with asymptomatic GERD. The represented logistic regression shows that family history of GERD, marital status (divorce), smoking, physical activity frequency, tomatoes/tomato-based foods, salty foods, acidic drinks, frequent use of analgesics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) consumption shows statistical significance and association (P < 0.05) with increased risk of symptomatic GERD. Conclusively, the results show that GERD is prevalent in Makkah with the presence of modifiable risk factors which can significantly affect the ascendency of the disease.