Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Population Based Study

Background: The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease varies in different parts of the world. There are no population based studies in Nigeria. The main objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease in a population of Nigerian medical students. Methods: The Carlsson-Dent questionnaire was administered to medical students in the clinical phase of their training at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. Some putative risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease were also included in the questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease was 26.34%. There was an association between the use of caffeinecontaining substances (coffee and kolanuts) and the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (odds ratio = 2.2 and 2.015, respectively). Conclusions: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is common among Nigerian medical students. The use of caffeine-containing substances (coffee and kolanuts) by students may have a role in the high prevalence.