Uncovering gastro-esophageal reflux disease: Prevalence and risk factors among adults residing in a rural community of West Bengal

Background: Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a gastrointestinal condition that involves the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, resulting in troublesome symptoms and potential complications. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to assess the prevalence of GERD and identify its associated risk factors among adults living in a rural setting, thereby contributing valuable data to inform future healthcare planning and education initiatives in similar underserved regions. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2024 to January 2025 among 242 adults residing in the rural field practice area of IPGME and R and SSKM Hospital, Kolkata. The GERD questionnaire was used to evaluate the presence of GERD. Data were tabulated in an MS Excel spreadsheet; statistical analysis was done in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for descriptive statistics, along with a multivariate regression test. Results: Fifty-seven percent were male, about 66% were Hindu, and 76% were married. Thirty-seven percent of the study participants were obese. Sixty-nine percent had co-morbidity, with 30% suffering from hypertension; Around 40% were chronic smokers, with 51% presenting with heartburn, and 39.6% woke up at night due to GERD symptoms. Conclusion: Thirty-six percent of the study participants were found to have GERD; those with <45 years were at higher risk of developing GERD symptoms.