Incidence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Its Potential Oncogenic Implications Among Saudi Populations

Pages 16-23

Zakaria Eltahir^1,*, Ahlam Badreldin El Shikieri², Mustafa Y Taher¹, Abdulrahim M Al-Hazmi¹, Muhannad Al-Zahrani¹, Feras M Abdulagader¹, Hamed Khateery¹, Mohammed A Alsarrani³ and Gareth J S Jenkins⁴

¹Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Science, Health and Life Research Center Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia. ²Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Science, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia. ³University Medical Center, Taibah University, DMMC4609, Taibah, Madinah of Saudi Arabia; ⁴Institute of Life Sciences, College of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom

Abstract: Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common problem encountered in daily clinical practice with variable prevalence among different populations. Chronic reflux can progress to Barrett’s esophagus, a premalignant condition that may lead to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of GERD in the Saudi population and to correlate associated risk factors and lifestyle behaviors linked to esophageal carcinogenesis. The study emphasizes the importance of early recognition and public health interventions to reduce the potential progression from GERD to Barrett’s esophagus and EAC.

Patients and methods: This was a cross-sectional study. A designed questionnaire was carefully formulated from previously approved questionnaires (GerdQ) to screen the local population’s awareness of GERD. SPSS software was used to perform the chi-square test. In total, 1,745 responses were received.

Results: GERD-confirmed symptoms were prevalent in 669 adults. Thus, the prevalence of GERD and confirmed answers meeting the GERD criteria was 38.3%, including men (37.8%) and women (62.2%). However, most of the patients were Saudis, resided in the western region, and a considerable number of men were smokers. Many women had a family history of GERD compared with their counterparts. Women (8.4%) smoked shisha at least once daily, whereas men (27.7%) smoked cigarettes.

Conclusion: The prevalence of GERD among Saudi populations is 38.3%, which is higher than that previously re ported in Western countries. Considering GERD’s association with Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarci noma, these findings highlight the need for increased awareness and early preventive measures to reduce related on cologic risks.

Keywords: GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, Esophageal adenocarcinoma, Cancer risk, Saudi population.