Gastroesophageal reflux disease among pilgrims during the Hajj period [1438 Hegira]: prevalence and impact on the quality of life

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD] is a chronic motility disorder resulting in reflux of stomach contents in to the esophagus. It has a prevalence rate of 10-20% in the western world. In the Gulf region, the prevalence of GERD is not yet well characterized. Annually, millions of Muslims gather from across the world embark on a religious pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. They represent a population with various socio-demographic characteristics, life styles, dietary habits and social life stresses that might affect the prevalence of this chronic disorder

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Objective: the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and impact of GERD on the pilgrims in Mecca region during the Hajj period in the year 1438 Hegira

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Methods: participants were asked to fill a self-administered questionnaire, GERD questionnaire [GERDQ] and GERD-HRQL were used for making the diagnosis of GERD and to assess its impact on the patient's quality of life

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Results: the prevalence of GERD among the study population was 29.0%, with a statistically significant association with age and nationality. Neither smoking nor the presence of other diseases showed statistically significant relationship with the presence of GERD [p>0.05]. GERD-HRQL scale showed a statistically higher median in GERD patients compared to healthy subjects. Moreover, 58 participants [52.73%] showed poor quality of life compared to 52 participants [47.27%] who expressed good quality

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Conclusion: this study showed a prevalence rate of GERD among pilgrims in Mecca region to be 29.0%, which has an impact on their daily life activities. These data indicate a need for a comprehensive approach to GERD management in the health-care system