Prevalence, associated factors and medication for symptoms related to gastroesophageal reflux disease among 1114 private-tuition students of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a chronic and a common condition worldwide which causes mild to severe symptoms. Private tuition attendees are a group which could have potential risk factors for GORD. Therefore, we aimed to determine the prevalence, associated factors and medication for symptoms related to GORD among advanced level private-tuition attendees of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among students aged ≥18 years. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Students scoring ≥ eight on the Frequency Scale for Symptoms of GORD were categorised to have symptoms related to GORD. Logistic regression was performed to determine the significant association between the variables of interest and the presence of symptoms related to GORD (P < 0.05). Results: Data of 1114 students were included for the analysis. A high prevalence of symptoms related to GORD (52%-580/1114) was noted. Heartburn received the highest score among GORD symptoms. Biology students had the highest prevalence of GORD symptoms (63%-127/201). Also, Biology students had the highest percentage for the utilisation of overall (17%-35/201) and prescribed (13%-27/201) medication for GORD symptoms. Presence of symptoms related to GORD was significantly associated with female sex [OR-0.436 (95% CI 0.342-0.555)], being boarded [OR-2.021 (95% CI 1.325-3.083)], chronic illness [OR-2.632 (95% CI 1.439-4.813)], midnight snack [OR-1.776 (95% CI 1.379-2.287)], frequent lack of breakfast [OR-2.145 (95% CI 1.688, 2.725)], quick eating [OR-1.394 (95% CI 1.091-1.780)] and inadequate sleep [OR-2.077 (95% CI 1.624-2.655)]. Conclusion: A high prevalence of symptoms related to GORD in comparison to previous literature was found among private tuition attendees. Possible reasons for the above findings were discussed.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gastroesophageal Reflux Among Jazan University Students, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…However, when it comes to the studies among university students, our findings were consistent with other studies were conducted in Shaqra university in 2018-2019 and King Abdulaziz University in 2019, which revealed a comparable percent of the prevalence of GERD among students (23.8%, 25.9% respectively) [11,12]. Further, our results are higher than another study in Chinese college freshmen, the prevalence was 5.1% and it is lower than the study that was conducted in 1114 private-tuition students of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka; the prevalence was 52% [13,14]. These data suggested that GERD symptoms are a significant health problem among Saudi students.…”

“…This is confirmed by our findings, which showed that there is a positive association between smoking and the development of reflux disease. However, other studies revealed no association between GERD and smoking [12,14]. Moreover, Khat chewing is traditionally practiced by different groups in our region, and the use of Khat chewing was a statistically significant risk factor of GERD (p<0.05).…”

Prevalence and beverage‐related risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease: An original study in Chinese college freshmen, a systemic review and meta‐analysis

“…The search strategy identified 482 citations. From these, there were 20 articles that fulfilled the eligibility criteria, representing 21,598 young school‐going participants 8,9,18–35 . Study selection procedures are illustrated in Figure 1.…”

“…As GERD prevalence is rising in young populations, prevalence rate in this study is significantly lower than those reported in western countries, especially in studies conducted in 2016 and later from 25.9% to 52.1%. 9,21,30 A more precise demographic construct of GERD epidemiology in younger populations is needed because the youth are going through one of the most eventful periods of life and their lifestyles could be constantly changing.…”

“…From these, there were 20 articles that fulfilled the eligibility criteria, representing 21,598 young school-going participants. 8,9,[18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] Study selection procedures are illustrated in Figure 1. The key characteristics of each included study appear in Table S3.…”