Predictors of gastroeosophageal reflux disease symptoms among undergraduate students

Abstract

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic disorder that serves as a source of stressor impacting students’ academic performance and quality of life. This study aims to predict diet and dietary habits that aggravate GERD symptoms among undergraduate students. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, and a validated questionnaire was used to collect data from 305 undergraduate students recruited through a multistage sampling technique from a Nigerian university. Data were analysed using chi-square and logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of GERD in this study was 45.3%. Diets that were significantly associated with GERD symptoms among the respondents were: Spicy foods (p=0.041), Fatty meals (p=0.045), Carbonated drinks (p=0.027), Garlic & onions (p=0.001). In addition, there is a significant association between consuming large volume meals (p=0.027), Rapid intake <10 minutes (p=0.009), skipping meals (p=0.042), and Late evening meals (p<0.001) and manifesting symptoms of GERD. Furthermore, Late evening meal [OR 3.07, 95% CI: (1.58, 5.98)], Fatty meal [OR 2.16, 95% CI: (1.30, 3.59)]; Garlic and onion [OR 1.75, 95% CI:(1.11, 2.75)] were predictor of GERD symptoms, while Alcohol [OR 0.72, 95% CI: (0.54, 0.98)]; Chocolate [OR 0.59, 95% CI: (0.37, 0.94)] reduce the odd. Conclusions: This study concluded that the GERD prevalence is high in this population, and late evening meals were the greatest predictor of GERD symptoms. Therefore, this relationship should be further investigated, and appropriate interventions targeted at proper dietary intake should be designed to promote the well-being of students.