Refworks Format

A1 al-Abdulsallam, Fatma Khalifa A2 Waly, Mostafa I. A2 Al Subhi, Lyutha Khalfan Rashid A2 al-Rizeiqi, Mohammed Hamed Juma A2 Al Zaabi, Adhari Abdullah Ahme A2 Jayasuriya, Hemanatha A2 Al Balushi, Ruqaiya A2 aI-Zadjali, Fahad AB Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic disorder where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. Unhealthy dietary habits, such as intake of fried, fatty, spicy foods, late-night meals besides lifestyle factors of smoking and physical inactivity have been reported to induce reflux symptoms. The assessment of the disease knowledge among populations is crucial to implementing successful prevention strategies. This study aimed to demonstrate the prevalence, level of GERD knowledge, and risk factors associated with GERD among Sultan Qaboos University students. This cross-sectional study included 400 students from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) in Muscat, Oman. Study questionnaires were collected via Google online forms and distributed to the students by email and social media applications (WhatsApp and Instagram) for three weeks. The questionnaires included four sections: Sociodemographic information, GERD knowledge, GERD diagnostic questions using the GERD Questionnaire (GERDQ a diagnostic tool for GERD), and risk factors associated with GERD. Out of 400 participants, 128 (32%) were diagnosed with GERD, and 272 (68%) did not have GERD. The mean percentage of correct answers was 52%, with an average of 10 points out of 20. The level of GERD knowledge differed significantly according to gender (P < 0.05). Students’ residence, lying down after eating, skipping breakfast, intake of fast food, spicy food, and fried food 3 times or more per week, and consumption of soft drinks were significantly associated with symptomatic GERD (P < 0.05). In conclusion, identifying level of knowledge and incidence of GERD are key steps to implement prevention and treatment strategies. Multiple modifiable factors risk factors associated with GERD in the study sample. Prevention and treatment strategies are warranted to address these factors to reduce or prevent the symptoms of GERD. (Author’s abstract) http://search.shamaa.org/abstract_en.gif OP I-XII, 68 p. T1 Knowledge and risk factors associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease among Sultan Qaboos University students [Thesis / Dissertation] UL https://www.shuaa.om/xmlui/bitstream/handle/20.500.12408/12170/Binder2.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y Full text (PDF) 1 http://search.shamaa.org/fulltext.gif