The prevalence of among adults in Bahrain is 41.5%.
Family history of GERD is associated with an increased prevalence of the disease.
A history of hypertension is linked to higher rates of GERD.
Sleeping less than 1 hour after dinner may contribute to GERD prevalence.
Regular use of NSAIDs or Aspirin is associated with GERD.
Bariatric surgery history is connected to an increased likelihood of GERD.
Simplified
BACKGROUND: (GERD) is one of the most diagnosed digestive disorders, with much-conducted research assessing its prevalence and risk factors associated with it worldwide. However, there are no published previous studies to determine such disease and its burden in Bahrain. Hence, this study aims to estimate the prevalence and evaluate the risk factors associated with GERD among adults attending primary care in Bahrain.
MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: A total of 385 adults aged 18 years and above participated in this descriptive cross-sectional study in the period from 1to 27of April 2023. The sample was collected randomly through an interview-based validated questionnaire from 10 health centers selected randomly. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: Demographic characteristics, risk factors that are associated with GERD and (GERD-Q) questionnaire with a scoring rate for the diagnosis of GERD, in which a score of 8 or more gives us the diagnosis of GERD. st th
RESULTS: A response rate of 93.6% was accomplished. Most of the participants were female (53.2%), Bahraini (88.6%), university-educated (50.9%) and married (71.2%). The mean age of the participants was 41.5 (SD = ±14.4 years). The prevalence of GERD was 41.5% which was statistically significant associated with family history of GERD, history of hypertension, sleeping within less than 1 hour after dinner, bariatric surgery and use of NSAIDs or Aspirin regularly (< 0.05). P
CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of GERD was 41.5%, which is higher than in the Middle East, East Asia and Western countries. Many modifiable risk factors where associate with it which deserves the conduction of national prevention programs and educational campaigns to prevent this disease and its complications. Further studies are needed to assess other risk factors and the effect of GERD on the overall health status and quality of life.
Key numbers
41.5%
Prevalence
Percentage of adults diagnosed with in the study population.
93.6%
Response Rate
Percentage of participants who agreed to participate out of those eligible.
70.4%
Obesity Rate
Percentage of participants classified as obese.
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