ABSTRACT

Background:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders. Medical students experience unique dietary and lifestyle changes due to their demanding coursework and stressful examinations. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of GERD among medical students in the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia.

Methods:
A web-based validated GERD questionnaire (GerdQ) was used to diagnose GERD based on a score of >8. The questionnaire was distributed electronically to male and female medical students at different educational levels through a web-based online questionnaire. Demographic data, past medical history, dietary, and lifestyle habits were collected.

Results:
The study included 476 participants, 217 males (45.6%) and 259 females (54.4%). The prevalence of GERD among the study cohort was 25.8%. Higher body mass index, age, and male gender were found to be associated with increased risk of GERD. However, fatty meal consumption, lack of exercise, and/or nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use were not found to be associated with an increased risk of GERD.

Conclusion:
The prevalence of GERD among medical students based on a web-based GerdQ was 25.8%. Obesity, age, male gender, and the presence of chronic disease were associated with an increased risk of GERD. However, no significant association was noted between GERD and NSAIDs use, smoking, coffee intake, fatty meal consumption frequency, or the side on which they sleep.

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