Studying the Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease among Syrians Private University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Background:Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder that mainly affects older people. However, its prevalence and impact among younger age groups, such as university students, are not well established. Objective: To investigate the prevalence of GERD symptoms, medication use, and impact on quality of life among students at a Syrian private university. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study surveyed 334 students from various specialties using an online questionnaire. The data collected included demographics, GERD symptoms, medication use, and quality of life assessed by the GERD-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) instrument. Associations between GERD and age, sex, and specialty were analyzed. Results: Overall, 37.4% of the students reported not experiencing GERD symptoms, while the remaining did, with bloating (27.8%) being most prevalent, followed by sleep disturbances (22.2%), heartburn (21.5%), and regurgitation (18.3%). Only 16.8% used GERD medications such as proton-pump inhibitors or antacids. Most students (68.5%) scored in the 0-15 range on the GERD-HRQL, indicating a minimal impact on quality of life. The prevalence of GERD was positively associated with age (p=0.001), female sex (p=0.001), and medical specialty (p=0.0025). Conclusion: GERD symptoms are prevalent among Syrian university students, particularly with advancing age and in females. However, the impact on quality of life appears to be low. Raising awareness, lifestyle counseling, and targeted support, especially for medical students experiencing higher stress levels, could help manage GERD in this younger population.