Risk factors for the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease in residents of the Republic of Dagestan

Objective: to determine the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and possible risk factors for its development among residents of the Republic of Dagestan. Material and methods. A survey of 496 residents of the republic (308 and 188 men) was conducted using the "Epidemiology and risk factors for the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Dagestan" questionnaire. Results. GERD was detected in 26.2% of respondents. GERD symptoms caused discomfort in 50% of respondents, forced 30.7% to give up their favorite foods, reduced productivity in 16.9%, and disrupted sleep in 27.7%. It was also found that GERD occurs significantly more often in people with a low level of education, low wages, with neurotic and anxiety-depressive disorders, leading a sedentary lifestyle, lonely people, obese people, smokers and frequent alcohol consumers, and those with bad eating habits (night snacks, overeating, eating in a hurry, eating dry food, abuse of spicy, sweet, fried and hot food). Conclusion. The prevalence of GERD in residents of the Republic of Dagestan is 26,2%. Reliable risk factors for the development of GERD are: low socioeconomic status and level of education, psychoemotional disorders, physical inactivity, alcohol abuse, smoking, loneliness (more common in single people, divorced people and widowers), overeating, night snacks, obesity, eating in a hurry and on the go, abuse of spicy, sweet, fried and hot foods.