Prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Among Electronic Cigarette-Smoking University Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
2024

Prevalence of GERD Among University Students Who Use E-Cigarettes

Sample size: 403 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Farooqi Waqar, Hussamuldin Abdulrahman, Alabdullah Abdullah, Albatati Abdulaziz, Alshathri Fahda S, Alabdullah Sultan, Alzuhair Abdulrahman

Primary Institution: Al-Maarifa University, Riyadh, SAU

Hypothesis

What is the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) among electronic cigarette-smoking university students in Riyadh?

Conclusion

GERD is common among university students in Riyadh, particularly among smokers and e-cigarette users.

Supporting Evidence

  • 93 out of 145 students with health problems were diagnosed with GERD.
  • 43.7% of participants reported using e-cigarettes.
  • Smoking and vaping were linked to higher GERD symptom scores.
  • Men reported more GERD symptoms than women.
  • Obese students had higher GERD severity.
  • Newer smokers experienced more severe symptoms than long-term smokers.
  • Frequent vapers had higher GERD symptom scores.

Takeaway

Many university students in Riyadh have GERD, especially those who smoke or vape. Smoking and being overweight can make it worse.

Methodology

Cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire distributed via social media to collect data on demographics, smoking behaviors, and GERD prevalence.

Limitations

The study was limited by an online questionnaire, which may not have reached all students or universities in Riyadh.

Participant Demographics

{"age_distribution":{"18-20":21.3,"21-23":30.8,"24-26":25.6,"Older than 26":22.3},"gender_distribution":{"female":21.6,"male":78.4},"marital_status":{"married":5.5,"single":94.5},"bmi_distribution":{"underweight":10.7,"normal":46.2,"overweight":24.1,"obese":17.9,"extremely_obese":1.2}}

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.001

Confidence Interval

95%

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.7759/cureus.74999

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