Relationship between academic stress and gastrointestinal symptoms in university students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29105/respyn25.2-967Keywords:
academic stress, gastrointestinal symptoms, university students, school healthAbstract
Introduction: Academic stress is a common issue among the student population that affects both their psychological and physical well-being, as well as gastrointestinal function. Objective: To evaluate the association between levels of academic stress and the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms among university students. Material and method: A analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 224 university students who completed the SISCO Academic Stress Inventory, as well as questionnaires on gastritis and gastrointestinal function. Association analyses and multinomial logistic regression adjusted for age and sex were performed. Results: Severe stress was present in 48.2% of participants, with a higher prevalence among women (p<0.001). The most frequent symptoms associated with severe stress were flatulence, abdominal bloating, heartburn, and appetite disturbances (p<0.050). Students with severe stress were 2.98 times more likely to present abdominal bloating and 2.63 times more likely to report appetite disturbances; additionally, women had 3.65 times higher odds of severe stress compared with men. Conclusion: These findings evidence a relationship between academic stress and gastrointestinal health, highlighting the need for early prevention and management of stress, as well as the promotion of healthy eating habits and emotional well-being among university students.
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