Abstract
Refluxing stomach contents into the esophagus is the hallmark of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which results in symptoms and damage to the mucosa. Numerous risk factors are linked to GERD, such as a high body mass index (BMI), Helicobacter pylori infection, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, dietary practices, and sedentary lifestyles. There has been little research on Saudi Arabian public knowledge of GERD, despite the condition's increasing prevalence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out utilizing an online questionnaire provided via social media channels. The sample size consisted of 318 people living in Riyadh. The questionnaire was derived from validated sources, with questions on demographics, GERD-related knowledge, symptoms, causes, and preventive actions. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Out of 318 participants, 68.2% had heard of GERD, but only 25.5% showed good knowledge (≥75% correct responses). Heartburn (79.2%), regurgitation (72.6%), and acid reflux (80.2%) were the most commonly reported symptoms. Key risk factors such as smoking (37.1%) and chronic illnesses (29.6%) were not widely recognized. Females, those with postgraduate education, and persons aged 35-44 showed considerably greater knowledge levels (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Although people in Riyadh are generally aware of GERD, their understanding of its symptoms and risk factors is still lacking. Targeted public health education is essential to enhance early detection and management, particularly for males and younger individuals.