Incidence and Contributing Factors of Biliary Gastritis in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Background and objective Biliary gastritis is a neglected inflammatory disorder caused by bile reflux with a growing incidence worldwide due to lifestyle and dietetic modifications. Regional data are scarce for the Kurdistan Region. To identify the incidence of biliary gastritis and related demographic, lifestyle, dietetic, and clinical factors in the Kurdistan Region among adults. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 638 adults who were recruited from urban and rural health centers. Data were gathered through structured interviews, medical record review, and clinical examination. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were applied to identify associations between biliary gastritis and different factors, and p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results The incidence of biliary gastritis was 26.7%. Strong correlations existed with female sex, marriage status, nonemployment status, regular use of fast food, low consumption of fruit, consumption of caffeine, gallstones, liver disease, drug abuse, and symptoms of nausea and abdominal pain (p < 0.05). A strong correlation did not exist with diabetes, GERD, or exercise. Patients with ahistory of gastric surgery also had a higher incidence of biliary gastritis. The average age did not differ between the diagnosed and undiagnosed patients (p = 0.063). Conclusion Biliary gastritis is a relevant public health issue in the Kurdistan Region that depends on food consumption habits, comorbidities, and economics. Healthier nutritional interventions should be combined with improved diagnostic access.