Prevalence of Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease, and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Medical Students: a Nation-based Cross-sectional Study

Overview

Journal BMC Gastroenterol

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialty Gastroenterology

Date 2023 Aug 7

PMID 37550667

Authors

Mohamed Baklola

Mohamed Terra

Amr Badr

Fayrouz Mohamed Fahmy

Enas Elshabrawy

Yousef Hawas

Doaa Abdel-Hady

Abdel-Hady El-Gilany

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive problem in adults particularly medical students, who are one of the most vulnerable groups. Many variables, including lifestyle changes and psychological stress, increase the prevalence of GERD among undergraduate medical students. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence, and risk factors of GERD, and its relationship with perceived stress among medical students in Egypt.

Methods: In November and December of 2022, a cross-sectional descriptive study with an analytical component was carried out among medical students from six different universities. An online self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire included data on sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors, lifestyle, the Arabic version of GerdQ, and the Arabic version of Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (PSS).

Results: The questionnaire was filled out by 964 medical students, the majority of whom were female (64%). Overall, 17.1% of participants reported symptoms of GERD. Logistic regression showed that smoking, high perceived stress, and a family history of GERD were the independent predictors of having GERD symptoms, with odds ratios of 4.1, 3.9, and 2.2, respectively.

Conclusion: GERD is a frequent condition among Egyptian medical students, affecting around one-fifth of them. In the fight against GERD, university-based smoking cessation and stress management programs may be influential.

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