ASSESSMENT OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE, RISK FACTORS AND MANAGEMENT IN THE GENERAL POPULATION OF NORTH REGION

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the major gastrointestinal problems around the globe and its effects greatly on individual health, quality of life, social life, and economy. This study is aimed to determine GERD prevalence, risk factors, and management. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study carried out using a validated questionnaire. The data was collected from the general population. The questionnaire consisted of demographic information, personal and habitual data, GERD Questionnaire. The Chi-Square test was used to find the association. Results: The prevalence rate of GERD was found to be about 31%. There was a significant association between GERD and sociodemographic variables such as older age, obesity, profession, do not exercise daily, skipping breakfast, intake of alcohol, fast food, and dinner timing within 1 hour of bedtime, history of illness, family history of GERD, and medication history. The population used both pharmacological and non pharmacological methods of management. The most common method for managing GERD symptoms used by  21.6% of the population was non-prescription or OTC drugs, other methods used were chewing (gum, licorice root, cumin seeds), drinking low-fat milk, ginger water, regular water, exercise (stand up and moving, nostril breathing exercise). Conclusion: The prevalence of GERD increases day by day. To prevent its adverse consequences, it is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle (reducing weight, daily walking or exercise, and increasing the time between dinner and bedtime).