Alatawi Hind S, Alshaikh Alshaymaa A, Behairi Maha M, Alsudairy Najlaa M, Alshaikh Joud A
Family Medicine, King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, SAU.
Family Medicine, National Guard Hospital, Jeddah, SAU.
Cureus. 2025 Apr 25;17(4):e82997. doi: 10.7759/cureus.82997. eCollection 2025 Apr.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent chronic condition affecting a significant portion of the adult population worldwide, including Saudi Arabia. GERD is associated with symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and dysphagia, which can impair the quality of life and increase healthcare burden. Several risk factors, including obesity, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices, contribute to its development. In Saudi Arabia, rapid urbanization and changes in dietary patterns have led to an increasing prevalence of GERD, though research on its association with lifestyle factors is limited. This study aims to assess the prevalence of GERD symptoms in Saudi adults and explore the role of lifestyle factors in its onset and progression.
This cross-sectional study was conducted among adults in Saudi Arabia between January and March 2025. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire that assessed demographic information, GERD symptoms, and lifestyle habits. GERD symptoms were measured using the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GERD-Q). Lifestyle factors, including diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and caffeine intake, were also assessed. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests, t-tests, and multivariable logistic regression to examine associations between GERD symptoms and lifestyle factors.
Among the 960 participants, 56.8% (n = 537) reported heartburn, 50.7% (n = 487) regurgitation, 61.1% (n = 587) bloating, 42.5% (n = 411) dysphagia, and 39.3% (n = 380) chest pain. Consumption of spicy food ≥5 times/week was associated with GERD symptoms in 61.2% (n = 161; p = 0.0001), fatty foods in 55.4% (n = 166; p = 0.0005), caffeine in 61.8% (n = 97; p = 0.0001), and alcohol in 59.2% (n = 174; p = 0.0008). Smoking (58.9%, n = 66; p = 0.002) and shisha use (59.2%, n = 174; p = 0.0003) were also significantly associated. Regular physical activity (≥3 times/week) was inversely associated (46.1%, n = 160; p = 0.0001). Higher prevalence was observed in older adults (65+ years: 66.2%, n = 90; p = 0.0002) and those with lower education.
This study highlights the significant burden of GERD in Saudi Arabia and emphasizes the role of modifiable lifestyle factors in its onset and progression. Dietary habits, tobacco use, and physical inactivity are major contributors to GERD symptoms. Public health interventions focused on promoting healthier lifestyles, including dietary modifications, increased physical activity, and smoking cessation, could help reduce the prevalence and impact of GERD.
胃食管反流病（GERD）是一种普遍的慢性疾病，影响着全球很大一部分成年人口，包括沙特阿拉伯。GERD与烧心、反流、胸痛和吞咽困难等症状相关，这些症状会损害生活质量并增加医疗负担。包括肥胖、饮食习惯和生活方式选择在内的多种风险因素导致其发病。在沙特阿拉伯，快速的城市化和饮食模式的变化导致GERD患病率上升，不过关于其与生活方式因素关联的研究有限。本研究旨在评估沙特成年人中GERD症状的患病率，并探讨生活方式因素在其发病和进展中的作用。
这项横断面研究于2025年1月至3月在沙特阿拉伯的成年人中进行。参与者完成了一份自我管理的问卷，该问卷评估了人口统计学信息、GERD症状和生活习惯。使用胃食管反流病问卷（GERD-Q）测量GERD症状。还评估了生活方式因素，包括饮食、体育活动、吸烟、饮酒和咖啡因摄入。统计分析包括卡方检验、t检验和多变量逻辑回归，以检查GERD症状与生活方式因素之间的关联。
在9六百名参与者中，56.8%（n = 537）报告有烧心症状，50.7%（n = 487）有反流症状，61.1%（n = 587）有腹胀症状，42.5%（n = 411）有吞咽困难症状，39.3%（n = 380）有胸痛症状。每周食用辛辣食物≥5次与GERD症状相关的比例为61.2%（n = 161；p = 0.0001），食用油腻食物的比例为55.4%（n = 166；p = 0.0005），食用咖啡因的比例为61.8%（n = 97；p = 0.0001），饮酒的比例为59.2%（n = 174；p = 0.0008）。吸烟（58.9%，n = 66；p = 0.002）和水烟使用（59.2%，n = 174；p = 0.0003）也有显著关联。经常进行体育活动（每周≥3次）与之呈负相关（46.1%，n = 160；p = 0.0001）。老年人（65岁及以上：66.2%，n = 90；p = 0.0002）和受教育程度较低者的患病率更高。
本研究突出了GERD在沙特阿拉伯的重大负担，并强调了可改变的生活方式因素在其发病和进展中的作用。饮食习惯、烟草使用和缺乏体育活动是GERD症状的主要促成因素。侧重于促进更健康生活方式的公共卫生干预措施，包括饮食调整、增加体育活动和戒烟，有助于降低GERD的患病率和影响。
