TITLE:
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Gastroesophageal Reflux among Students at Lédéa Bernard Ouédraogo University in 2025
AUTHORS:
Zanga Damien Ouattara, Latif Sabane Ouedraogo, Siebou Hien, Steve Léonce Zoungrana, Mali Koura, Elias Dah, Solo Traoré, Appolinaire Sawadogo
KEYWORDS:
Gastroesophageal Reflux, Students, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Burkina Faso
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Gastroenterology,
Vol.15 No.10,
October
20,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is a common digestive disorder with increasing prevalence among young adults. It can significantly impact quality of life and lead to various complications. In West Africa, research on this condition within university settings remains limited. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of GERD among students at Lédéa Bernard Ouédraogo University (ULBO) and to identify associated risk factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted from April 1 to June 30, 2025, involving 432 students from ULBO. Data were collected through an online self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26, including Chi2 tests, Fisher’s exact test, and logistic regressions. Results: The prevalence of GERD was found to be 25.5%. The significantly associated factors included regular consumption of coffee/tea or carbonated beverages (ORa = 12.79; p = 0.036), fatty, spicy, or acidic meals (ORa = 18.83; p = 0.032), the habit of lying down after meals (ORa = 2.92; p = 0.020) and personal or family history of digestive diseases affecting the esophagus and stomach. The educational unit was also significantly associated (p = 0.002). Conclusion: GERD is a prevalent condition among students at ULBO, affecting approximately one in four students. Dietary habits and lifestyle choices influence this condition, necessitating awareness campaigns and the promotion of healthy eating habits to improve students’ health.