Abstract

Background: The risk of GERD is significantly associated with smoking which could increase the reflux symptoms. Objectives: Assessing the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) toward GERD among smokers at Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study based on a questionnaire sheet that was conducted at Saudi Arabia, from March to July 2018.The study included 390 medical students randomly chosen from different faculties of medicine around KSA. Results: Most of the subjects have adequate knowledge and good attitude about the GERD disease, its causes, symptoms, the association of drinking and smoking with initiation of the disease and the effect of life style modifications on the management of GERD. The level of practice was inadequate among most of the participants as the majority of them won’t stop smoking, change their lifestyle and eating habits even they had GERD. Conclusion: The Knowledge level was significantly adequate which resulted in positive attitudes among most of the subjects. However, the level of practice was insufficient which may result in impairing the quality of life and increasing the prevalence of the disease.

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