GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE AND ETIOLOGICAL CORRELATES AMONG NIGERIAN ADULTS AT OGBOMOSO

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common disorder globally but the prevalence and severity of symptoms and complications do have ethnic and geographic variations. AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) among adults in Ogbomoso, Southwest Nigeria, and the risk factors associated with it. METHODOLOGY: The study was a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional survey. The study population consisted of consenting male and female adults aged 18 to 87 years recruited from the outpatient departments of three health institutions in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria. A predesigned questionnaire consisting of GerdQ and other relevant information was administered to the participants. RESULTS: A total of 772 subjects were interviewed. The prevalence of GERD was 9.3% among the subjects. There was a significant association between increasing age and GERD. Other risk factors considered showed no significant association with the disease. CONCLUSION: GERD has a moderate prevalence among adults in Ogbomoso, Southwest Nigeria and there is a significant association between increasing age and GERD.