Prevalence and the risk factors of gastro-esophageal reflux disease in medical students.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a commonly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder in adults. Very few studies on magnitude of GERD in student community have been done and there is none so far from India. Rigorous MBBS curriculum makes medical students prone for reflux symptoms. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of GERD in medical students and the potential risk factors associated with it.

METHODS: This was a cross sectional observational study conducted on medical students in a premier medical college of India. All participants were interviewed for GERD symptoms using the validated questionnaire on frequency scale for the symptoms of GERD. Additional 11 questions include enquiries on medical history and lifestyle factors.

RESULTS: Of the 600 students, 150 (25%) had GERD symptoms. Of these, 88 (58.6%) had mild, 58 (38.6%) moderate, and 4 (2.7%) severe reflux symptoms. Fifty eight (38.6%) of students with GERD had associated dyspepsia. On univariate analysis higher BMI, final years of MBBS course, use of NSAID or alcohol, inadequate sleep, sleeping within one hour of taking dinner, missing breakfast regularly and quick eating were significantly associated with GERD ( p  < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of symptoms of GERD in medical students is 25%, majority had mild symptoms. Associated dyspeptic symptoms were present in 38.6%. Factors predisposing to GERD in them are higher BMI, final years of MBBS course, use of NSAID, inadequate sleep, sleeping within one hour of taking dinner, missing breakfast on regular basis and quick eating.