A Study on Association of Stress Related Problems with Gastrointestinal Disorders in University Students

Abstract

Psychological stress may lead to different physiological problems in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Objective: To study the association of stress with gastrointestinal (GIT) disorders as stress has been found to play a key role in the pathophysiology of the human body. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 300 female students from different departments of Lahore College for Women University, was done. The females were categorized into two groups. Group A (n= 111) comprises females of age between 15 to 20 years. Group B of age group between 21 to 28 years including 189 females (n= 189). Demographic measurements such as weight, height and BMI were taken of all subjects. Stress, bloating, acidity in the stomach, iron supplements and intake of junk food was reported via questionnaire. All the data were collected and analyzed. Results: The mean age± SD of group A was (18.80± 1.40013) and the mean age ± SD of group B was (22.42 ± 1.447). In group A, 77% of females take stress and in group B, 82% of females take stress out of 111 with (p< 0.001). 16% of females feel bloating in the stomach in group A and 23% of females in group B with (p<0.002). 36% of females feel acidity in group A and 49% in group B with (p<0.002). 70% of females take junk food regularly in group A and 71% in group B with (p<0.001). Conclusions: The percentage of stress and GIT problems was slightly higher in the larger age group.