Gastroesophageal reflux disease among population of Arar City, Northern Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: During the recent decade, several studies about prevalence of symptom-based GERD have revealed increase of its prevalence. In addition to the highly disturbing typical symptoms, it has a series of known consequences and may affect the quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as well as their main characteristics and risk factors among the population of Arar City, Northern Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 302 individuals from population of Arar city from October 01, 2016 to May 30, 2017, using a researcher made questionnaire and checklist. The questionnaire was administrated in online method. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22, using descriptive statistics and Chi-Square test. RESULTS: total prevalence of GERD among the studied respondents was 61.8%. In 11.8% there was severe pain. Further, 61.8% reported loss of appetite as an associated condition, 57% reported nausea and vomiting, 55.9% indigestion, 55.4% food regurgitation, 41.4% chest pain and 35.5% headache. The main found risk factors were fatty meals in 84.9% followed by coffee drinking in 77.4%, stress in 71%, spicy food in 58.1% NSAD in 24.7% and smoking in 17.2%. There were no significant effect of sex, age, educational level, marital status or occupational status in the occurrence of GERD (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: This is the first population-based study in Arar, Northern Saudi Arabia, reporting prevalence of GERD. The rate of 61.8% was substantially high. Coffee drinking, stress, spicy food, prolonged use of NSAID, fatty meals and smoking were the reported risk factors. Population-based endoscopic studies are recommended.

Assessing global risk factors for non-fatal injuries from road traffic accidents and falls in adults aged 35-70†years in 17 countries: a cross-sectional analysis of the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess risk factors associated with non-fatal injuries (NFIs) from road traffic accidents (RTAs) or falls. METHODS: Our study included 151 609 participants from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiological study. Participants reported whether they experienced injuries within the past 12 months that limited normal activities. Additional questions elicited data on risk factors. We employed multivariable logistic regression to analyse data. RESULTS: Overall, 5979 participants (3.9% of 151 609) reported at least one NFI. Total number of NFIs was 6300: 1428 were caused by RTAs (22.7%), 1948 by falls (30.9%) and 2924 by other causes (46.4%). Married/common law status was associated with fewer falls, but not with RTA. Age 65-70 years was associated with fewer RTAs, but more falls; age 55-64 years was associated with more falls. Male versus female was associated with more RTAs and fewer falls. In lower-middle-income countries, rural residence was associated with more RTAs and falls; in low-income countries, rural residence was associated with fewer RTAs. Previous alcohol use was associated with more RTAs and falls; current alcohol use was associated with more falls. Education was not associated with either NFI type. CONCLUSIONS: This study of persons aged 35-70 years found that some risk factors for NFI differ according to whether the injury is related to RTA or falls. Policymakers may use these differences to guide the design of prevention policies for RTA-related or fall-related NFI.

Assessing global risk factors for non-fatal injuries from road traffic accidents and falls in adultsaged 35-70 years in 17 countries: a cross-sectional analysis of the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiological (PURE) study

Objectives To assess risk factors associated with non-fatal injuries (NFIs) from road traffic accidents (RTAs) or falls.Methods Our study included 151 609 participants from the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiological study. Participants reported whether they experienced injuries within the past 12 months that limited normal activities. Additional questions elicited data on risk factors. We employed multivariable logistic regression to analyse data.Results Overall, 5979 participants (3.9% of 151 609) reported at least one NFI. Total number of NFIs was 6300: 1428 were caused by RTAs (22.7%), 1948 by falls (30.9%) and 2924 by other causes (46.4%). Married/common law status was associated with fewer falls, but not with RTA. Age 65–70 years was associated with fewer RTAs, but more falls; age 55–64 years was associated with more falls. Male versus female was associated with more RTAs and fewer falls. In lower-middle-income countries, rural residence was associated with more RTAs and falls; in low-income countries, rural residence was associated with fewer RTAs. Previous alcohol use was associated with more RTAs and falls; current alcohol use was associated with more falls. Education was not associated with either NFI type...