Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Associated factors among adults in the UAE: A Case-Control study.
1
Community Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
2
Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
3
Prime Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3056
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic gastrointestinal disorder with a growing burden worldwide. In the Middle East, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE), rapid urbanization, dietary transitions, sedentary lifestyles, and rising obesity rates may contribute to an increased prevalence of GERD. However, limited analytical studies have examined modifiable risk factors associated with GERD in this region.
OBJECTIVE:
To determine demographic, lifestyle, and dietary factors associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease among adults attending a tertiary care hospital in Ajman, UAE.
METHODS:
A hospital-based case–control study was conducted over 12 months at Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman. Adults diagnosed with GERD were enrolled as cases, while individuals without GERD served as controls. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographics, body mass index (BMI), lifestyle habits, dietary patterns, physical activity, stress, and sleep. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28. Chi-square tests assessed associations, and logistic regression was used to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.
RESULTS:
Age, gender, occupation, smoking, and alcohol consumption were not significantly associated with GERD. Obesity showed a strong independent association with GERD (adjusted OR 2.51; 95% CI: 1.30–4.84). Dietary factors demonstrated significant associations, including regular caffeine intake (adjusted OR 4.30; 95% CI: 2.17–8.51), fatty food consumption (adjusted OR 3.81; 95% CI: 1.99–7.31), and spicy food intake (adjusted OR 1.87; 95% CI: 1.15–3.04). Physical inactivity and perceived stress were significantly associated with GERD in unadjusted analyses.
CONCLUSIONS:
GERD among adults in the UAE is strongly associated with obesity and modifiable dietary factors, particularly caffeine, fatty, and spicy foods. Lifestyle-based preventive strategies focusing on weight management and dietary modification may help reduce GERD burden in this population.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic gastrointestinal disorder with a growing burden worldwide. In the Middle East, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE), rapid urbanization, dietary transitions, sedentary lifestyles, and rising obesity rates may contribute to an increased prevalence of GERD. However, limited analytical studies have examined modifiable risk factors associated with GERD in this region.
OBJECTIVE:
To determine demographic, lifestyle, and dietary factors associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease among adults attending a tertiary care hospital in Ajman, UAE.
METHODS:
A hospital-based case–control study was conducted over 12 months at Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman. Adults diagnosed with GERD were enrolled as cases, while individuals without GERD served as controls. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographics, body mass index (BMI), lifestyle habits, dietary patterns, physical activity, stress, and sleep. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28. Chi-square tests assessed associations, and logistic regression was used to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.
RESULTS:
Age, gender, occupation, smoking, and alcohol consumption were not significantly associated with GERD. Obesity showed a strong independent association with GERD (adjusted OR 2.51; 95% CI: 1.30–4.84). Dietary factors demonstrated significant associations, including regular caffeine intake (adjusted OR 4.30; 95% CI: 2.17–8.51), fatty food consumption (adjusted OR 3.81; 95% CI: 1.99–7.31), and spicy food intake (adjusted OR 1.87; 95% CI: 1.15–3.04). Physical inactivity and perceived stress were significantly associated with GERD in unadjusted analyses.
CONCLUSIONS:
GERD among adults in the UAE is strongly associated with obesity and modifiable dietary factors, particularly caffeine, fatty, and spicy foods. Lifestyle-based preventive strategies focusing on weight management and dietary modification may help reduce GERD burden in this population.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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