Risk assessment of obstructive sleep apnea among gastroesophageal reflux disease patients in Taif, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported the association between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of GERD among Saudi population, and to determine the risk of OSA among those diagnosed with GERD in Taif city of Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was done among 843 Saudi participants using a questionnaire by collecting demographic data, weight, height, blood group, and having a previous nose or throat surgery. The GERD questionnaire and the sleep apnea symptom index were used to determine GERD and OSA prevalence. RESULTS: The prevalence of GERD and OSA was 17.6% and 2.4%, respectively. A significantly higher prevalence of GERD was found among males, those with age >50 years, employees and obese participants, and those having OSA. Participants with an age >50 years and males, had a significantly higher prevalence of OSA. Being a male and older age were predictors for GERD, and the presence of GERD was an independent predictors for OSA. CONCLUSION: Future population-based studies including a representative sample of the population should be done to confirm the revealed association between GERD and OSA. It is necessary to assess GERD in patients with OSA in clinical practice.