Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease among Pilgrims during the Hajj Period (1438 Hegira): Prevalence and Impact on the Quality of Life

Algethami, Sultan Salem Murayziq; Alosaimi, Hamad Sulayyih Hamad; Al-Malki, Meshari AhmadAali; Almalki, Abdullah Matar; Alghalibi, Mohammed Thamer Shaker; Algethami, Turki Fehaid Musayfir; Almalki, Abdulaziz Turki Hassan; Alghamdi, Turki Hamed; Algethami, Afnan Salem Murayziq; Algthami, Dalia Dakheel Allah; Madhi, Asayil Nasser Bin

doi:10.12816/0043990

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease among Pilgrims during the Hajj Period (1438 Hegira): Prevalence and Impact on the Quality of Life

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Faculty of Medicine, Taif University, Taif

² Faculty of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah

³ Faculty of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, KSA

10.12816/0043990

Abstract

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic motility disorder resulting in reflux of stomach contents in to the esophagus. It has a prevalence rate of 10-20% in the western world. In the Gulf region, the prevalence of GERD is not yet well characterized. Annually, millions of Muslims gather from across the world embark on a religious pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. They represent a population with various socio-demographic characteristics, life styles, dietary habits and social life stresses that might affect the prevalence of this chronic disorder. Objective: the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and impact of GERD on the pilgrims in Mecca region during the Hajj period in the year 1438 Hegira.
Methods: participants were asked to fill a self-administered questionnaire, GERD questionnaire (GERDQ) and GERD-HRQL were used for making the diagnosis of GERD and to assess its impact on the patient’s quality of life. Results: the prevalence of GERD among the study population was 29.0%, with a statistically significant association with age and nationality. Neither smoking nor the presence of other diseases showed statistically significant relationship with the presence of GERD (p>0.05). GERD-HRQL scale showed a statistically higher median in GERD patients compared to healthy subjects. Moreover, 58 participants (52.73%) showed poor quality of life compared to 52 participants (47.27%) who expressed good quality.
Conclusion: this study showed a prevalence rate of GERD among pilgrims in Mecca region to be 29.0%, which has an impact on their daily life activities. These data indicate a need for a comprehensive approach to GERD management in the health-care system.

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