ABSTRACT:

Background and aims: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic condition, with variable prevalence worldwide and with a substantial impact on patients' quality of life (QoL). Data on the Albanian population are scarce and outdated. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of probable GERD in a convenience sample of Albanian adults, explore its associations with demographic, socioeconomic, anthropometric and lifestyle factors and assess the impact of the condition on health-related quality of life.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May 2025 in Albania among 505 participants, recruited through convenience sampling. The sample was predominantly young and concentrated in Korce region. Data were collected through a semi-structured, self-administered online, questionnaire. GERD symptoms were assessed using the GerdQ questionnaire and a score of ≥8 was used to define probable GERD. Score for GERD-related QoL was obtained through the 16-item GERD-QoL questionnaire. Demographic, anthropometric, dietary and lifestyle variables were analyzed as potential factors associated probable GERD. Logistic regression models were used to obtain odds ratio (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: The prevalence of probable GERD in the study sample was 31.1%. Probable GERD was more frequent among men (45.7%) and participants aged 25-34 years. In multivariable analysis male gender (aOR=2.08, 95%CI: 1.27-3.39), 25-34 year-age group (aOR=1.84, 95%CI: 1.06-3.21), urban residence (aOR=2.16, 95%CI: 1.30-3.59) and frequent alcohol consumption (aOR=2.83, 95%CI: 1.61-4.96) were independently associated with probable GERD. Body mass index (BMI) and smoking status were no longer significant after adjustment. In unadjusted analysis, consumption of ≥2 coffees /day was associated with higher odds of probable GERD compared with no or rare consumption (OR=5.05, 95%CI: 2.88-8.85). The inverse associations observed for citrus juices and tomato-based products may reflect symptom-based dietary avoidance rather than a true protective effect. Probable GERD was independently associated with a 15.90-point lower total QoL score (95%CI: -20.74 to -11.05, p<0.001). Among participants with probable GERD, women reported lower QoL scores than men across all domains while male gender was independently associated with a 12.36-point higher total QoL score.

Conclusions: In this predominantly young, urban and geographically concentrated sample, probable GERD prevalence was higher than previously data reported in Albania. Male gender, age 25-34 years, urban residence and frequent alcohol consumption were independently associated with probable GERD. Probable GERD was also independently associated with lower health-related QoL. Among GERD-positive participants, women reported lower QoL scores than men across all domains.