Frequency and Associated Factors of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Using GERD-Q Tool in the High-Risk Group of Postgraduate Trainees Physicians

Abstract

Objective: The aim was to determine the frequency of GERD using the GERD-Q tool in postgraduate trainees (PGTs) physicians working in a tertiary care hospital and to observe the association of causative factors in this high-risk population.

Methods: From October to December 2020, all post-graduate trainees at Aga Khan University Hospital received an online survey via email as part of a cross-sectional study. The GERD-Q questionnaire was scored in order to get the diagnosis. A GERD-Q score of e”8 was used to diagnose participants. Additionally, lifestyle decisions were evaluated in relation to GERD symptoms and associations. After that, stratification analysis was carried out to look at the study variables’ effect modifiers.

Results: Analysis was done on 204 participants’ data. After that, stratification analysis using SPSS-25.0 was carried out to look at the study variables’ effect modifiers. 58.3% of the participants in the survey were female. The study participants’ median age was 29 years old. With a median GERD-Q score of 6.00, 30.4% of patients were found to have GERD. BMI, a history of GERD in the past, an exacerbation following residency training, a surgical specialty, less coffee drinking, self-reported stress, and changed eating habits were all associated with GERD. Self-reported GERD, surgical specialty, and changed eating habits were independent variables linked to GERD in PGTs on multivariable logistic regression.

Conclusions: The frequency of GERD in postgraduate trainees was found to be 30.4%, which is slightly higher than previously reported in the literature. Significant associations were found between lifestyle habits and associated factors