Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) among the Students in Al Baha University – Saudi Arabia

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Background: In recent years, the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) seems to occur in the population of Saudi Arabia more than in Western countries and Eastern Asia. Such a higher risk of prevalence also reported by university students may be the result of their changing lifestyle factors. Aim: The aim of the present study is therefore to determine the prevalence of GERD in Al-Baha university students and determine the risk factors, complications, and relieving strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional design was carried out among 566 participants in the Al-Baha region. A close-ended questionnaire was used which was comprised of sociodemographic factors and information about risk factors, symptoms, relieving factors, and complications. It was used to collect data from the participants and their responses were analysed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) whereby frequency analysis was conducted for each research variable. Results: Out of 566 participants, only 144 students with GERD from Al-Baha university those who completed the questionnaire. There was a higher percentage of female (54.95%) respondents than males (45.05%). The data analysis revealed that overall symptom prevalence was high among students (25.44%) and the common symptoms were esophageal refluxes and heart burn. Common risk factors were smoking, alcohol, and stress. Besides, participants reported positive behaviors of relieving factors against GERD. In addition, there were significantly fewer complications reported by the participants. Conclusion: Overall, the students at the university of Al-Baha have a high prevalence of GERD and therefore retain a higher potential for acceptability of the program to reduce the increasing prevalence of GERD.