Alharbi May A, Alahmadi Lama S, Altom Faris, Raedi Fahad W, Alahmadi Taif A, Basha Shahed Chamsi, Alkanderi Waleed, Almutairi Afrah, Jalfan Thamraa N, Alaamri Hebah A
College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah, SAU.
Department of Medicine, Al-Rayyan College, Madinah, SAU.
Cureus. 2025 Jun 8;17(6):e85577. doi: 10.7759/cureus.85577. eCollection 2025 Jun.
Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a widespread digestive condition globally, with obesity being a significant risk factor. GERD symptoms, such as heartburn and acid reflux, are caused by abnormal relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Chronic symptoms can negatively impact quality of life (QoL) and may lead to complications such as esophageal adenocarcinoma. Objectives To assess the prevalence of GERD in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia among obese and non-obese individuals and to examine its impact on QoL. Methodology This observational, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2024. Adults aged 18 years and above from the Eastern Province were recruited using convenience sampling. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed online. A total of 342 participants were included, after exclusions from the initial 438 responses. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Results Of the 342 participants, 239 (69.9%) were female and 103 (30.1%) male. GERD was diagnosed in 79 individuals (23.1%). GERD prevalence was significantly associated with age (p = 0.018), marital status (p = 0.005), and occupation (p = 0.021). No significant association was observed with gender, BMI, or smoking status. GERD symptoms included heartburn in 76 participants (22.2%), food reflux in 55 (16.1%), and sleep disturbance in 53 (15.5%). Participants with GERD had significantly lower QoL scores across all domains. The physical and mental health scores were 3.3 ± 1.2 for GERD participants compared to 3.7 ± 1.1 for those without GERD (p = 0.001). Social relationships scores were 3.3 ± 1.2 versus 3.5 ± 1.2 (p = 0.0001), productivity scores were 3.3 ± 1.1 versus 3.4 ± 1.2 (p = 0.001), and environmental aspect scores were 2.8 ± 1.1 versus 3.0 ± 1.2 (p = 0.017). Conclusion GERD is a significant health concern in the Eastern Province, impacting QoL. Although BMI was not significantly associated with GERD in this sample, symptom severity was higher among obese individuals. Increased awareness, early diagnosis, and lifestyle changes, such as weight management, physical activity, and dietary adjustments, are essential to improve QoL and reduce long-term complications such as esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and strictures resulting from GERD.
胃食管反流病（GERD）是一种全球广泛存在的消化系统疾病，肥胖是其重要危险因素。GERD症状，如烧心和反酸，是由食管下括约肌（LES）异常松弛引起的，导致胃酸反流至食管。慢性症状会对生活质量（QoL）产生负面影响，并可能导致诸如食管腺癌等并发症。
评估沙特阿拉伯东部省肥胖和非肥胖个体中GERD的患病率，并研究其对生活质量的影响。
本观察性、描述性横断面研究于2024年10月至12月进行。采用便利抽样法招募了沙特阿拉伯东部省18岁及以上的成年人。通过在线方式发放自填式问卷。在排除最初的438份回复中的不合格者后，共纳入342名参与者。使用SPSS对数据进行分析。
342名参与者中，239名（69.9%）为女性，103名（30.1%）为男性。79人（23.1%）被诊断为GERD。GERD患病率与年龄（p = 0.018）、婚姻状况（p = 0.005）和职业（p = 0.021）显著相关。未观察到与性别、体重指数（BMI）或吸烟状况有显著关联。GERD症状包括76名参与者（22.2%）出现烧心、55名（16.1%）出现食物反流和53名（15.5%）出现睡眠障碍。患有GERD的参与者在所有领域的生活质量得分均显著较低。GERD参与者的身心健康得分为3.3±1.2，而无GERD者为3.7±1.1（p = 0.001）。社会关系得分分别为3.3±1.2和3.5±1.2（p = 0.0001），生产力得分分别为3.3±1.1和3.4±1.2（p = 0.001），环境方面得分分别为2.8±1.1和3.0±1.2（p = 0.017）。
GERD是沙特阿拉伯东部省的一个重要健康问题，影响生活质量。尽管在本样本中BMI与GERD无显著关联，但肥胖个体的症状严重程度更高。提高认识、早期诊断以及生活方式改变，如体重管理、体育活动和饮食调整，对于改善生活质量和减少GERD导致的食管炎、巴雷特食管和狭窄等长期并发症至关重要。
