Reem M. Alkhaldi1,*, Shatha I. Almuwallad1, Fayrouz Khateeb1, Hiyam Qanadily1, Heba M. Adly2, Majed S. Obaid2
1College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia
2Department of Community Medicine and Pilgrims Healthcare, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 21955, Saudi Arabia
Volume: 10 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 54-60 | June 2024 | https://doi.org/10.54940/ms35393369 | PDF
Received: 15/07/2023 | Revised: 21/10/2023 | Accepted: 18/11/2023
*Corresponding Author: Reem M. Alkhaldi. Email: [email protected]
Abstract
Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when gastric juice flows into the esophagus. The presence of psychological issues may increase the risk of GERD, such as anxiety and depression. This study aims to determine the association between GERD symptoms and psychological issues.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was done using an online questionnaire distributed through social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Snapchat) to all Saudi residents ≥18 years of both genders. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The Frequency Scale for GERD symptoms (FSSG) was used to suggest GERD. GERD was considered present if the total FSSG score was ≥8. In this study, the FSSG score was used to evaluate both acid-reflux symptoms and dyspeptic symptoms. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores for depression items and for anxiety items were obtained by summing up the discrete scores. A regression model calculates odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals.
Results: A total of 882 participants were investigated. Among participants, the mean age was 31.5 ± 14.9 years old. Prevalence of GERD was 78.2%. A total of 88.2% of participants with depression (cases) had GERD with 3.7 folds than others without (OR=3.7; 95% CI: 2.3-5.8). Also, those with borderline depression had 3.5 folds for GERD than normal participants (OR=3.5; 95% CI: 2.3-5.2). As for anxiety, participants with anxiety disorder (cases) had GERD with 5.3 folds than others without (OR=5.3; 95% CI: 3.0-9.4). Also, those with borderline anxiety had 2.7 folds for GERD than normal participants (OR=2.7; 95% CI: 1.7-4.3).
Conclusion: Our data revealed a significant positive association between the prevalence of GERD in participants with anxiety and depression compared to those without psychological factors. The correlation between GERD and anxiety is higher than between GERD and depression. We recommend offering an evaluation as early as possible for GERD for all patients with depression and anxiety.
Keywords
Reflux Disease, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD, Anxiety, Depression, Saudi Arabia
How to Cite
Al Khaldi, R. M., Al Muwallad, S. I., Khateeb, F., Qanadily, H., Adly, H. M., & Obaid, M. S. (2024). Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and its Association with Anxiety and Depression: An Online Cross-sectional Survey among Saudi Population. Journal of Umm Al-Qura University for Medical Sciences, 10(1), 54-60. https://doi.org/10.54940/ms35393369