Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) gives rise to distressing symptoms and is closely linked to several risk factors.
Objectives: This study aimed to explore the characteristics of GERD patients and predictors of severity in Saudi Arabia among university students.
Patients and methods: This is a cross-sectional observational prospective study that was conducted between April and June 2022 at the Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud University Medical Center, Saudi Arabia. The study included four positive predictors: heartburn, regurgitation, sleep disruption and the use of OTC medication in addition to prescribed medication. Additionally, there are two negative predictors: epigastric pain and nausea. GerdQ questionnaire was used for data collection. A binary logistic regression statistical analysis was employed to ascertain the factors that exhibited an influence on individuals affected by the disease and the severity. A total of 160 patients were involved in this study.
Results: In final analysis of 160 participants, the mean GerdQ score was 8.1 (SD: 2.5). The majority of them are postgraduate students (Master and PhD). Bad eating habits were associated with being more influenced by GERD (having sleep disturbance together with using OTC medications) (p<0.05). Conversely, consuming caffeine, late meals and smoking had no association on the university students of the Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud University (p>0.05).
Conclusion: University students' lifestyle and eating habits are largely affecting GERD patients causing sleep disturbances leading to larger usage of OTC medications. Future studies are warranted to design appropriate interventions to decrease the disease burden.