ABSTRACT
Gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD] is a common gastrointestinal disease. Although, the prevalence of GERD is high, has an adverse impact on the quality of life and there was a relationship between GERD and peptic stricture, Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma, that is increasing recently, there is limited information and conflicting data for risk factors of GERD. The aim of this study was to investigate prevalence and the potential risk factors of GERD in Gonbad city [Northern Iran]. A total of 1016 randomly selected subjects aged 18-40 years, were invited to the study. Face to face interview was performed for 1000 participants. Cardinal symptoms of GERD [heartburn and/or regurgitation], frequency and severity asked. Subjects who reported heartburn and/or regurgitation, at least once a week, during the last 12 months were defined as GERD patients and controls were persons without any compliant of those symptoms. Dietary intake was assessed using a local validated Block 116 food frequency questionnaire. The prevalence for weekly GERD was 12.3%. Increasing Age [OR: 1.04, 95% CI: [1.00-1.07]], BMI