ABSTRACT Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder with substantial impact on quality of life and healthcare systems. However, data on factors associated with GERD in Afghanistan remain limited, particularly in urban clinical settings. Objective To identify demographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors associated with GERD among adult patients attending hospitals in Kabul, Afghanistan. Methods A hospital‐based case–control study was conducted between January and December 2025 in three major hospitals in Kabul. A total of 715 participants, including 388 cases with typical GERD symptoms and 327 controls without recent reflux symptoms, were enrolled. Data were collected using a structured interviewer‐administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, anthropometric measurements, and clinical history. Associations were assessed using chi‐square tests, followed by univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results The mean age of GERD cases was 37.55 ± 16.21 years, significantly lower than that of controls (44.21 ± 15.46 years). In multivariable analysis, female sex, age younger than 30 years, employment, cigarette smoking, naswar use, and recent weight gain were independently associated with increased odds of GERD. Recent weight gain showed the strongest association. Body mass index category, marital status, education level, place of residence, and self‐reported stress were not independently associated with GERD after adjustment. Conclusion GERD among patients attending hospitals in Kabul is strongly associated with modifiable lifestyle and behavioral factors, particularly tobacco use and recent weight gain. Targeted preventive strategies and lifestyle‐focused interventions integrated into primary and secondary healthcare services may help reduce the burden of GERD in Afghanistan.
Shoaib et al. (Mon,) studied this question.