PERCEIVED STRESS AND GASTROINTESTINAL HABITS IN COLLEGE STUDENTS.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Gastroenterology
• Student Health

Background:

• Previous research indicates stress negatively impacts cognitive function and gastrointestinal habits in humans and animals.
• Understanding the relationship between stress and physiological responses is crucial for managing well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare perceived stress levels with gastrointestinal habit changes in college students.
• To investigate the correlation between academic periods and stress-induced physiological responses.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of college students was divided into control (acquisition period) and stressed (examination period) groups.
• Psychological and gastrointestinal status were assessed using stress questionnaires and gastrointestinal habit surveys.

Main Results:

• Perceived stress levels were significantly higher in students during the examination period compared to the acquisition period.
• Over 40% of participants reported changes in gastrointestinal habits during stressful academic periods.
• Significant correlations were found between perceived stress levels and reported gastrointestinal habit changes.

Conclusions:

• Stressful academic events in young adults are associated with elevated perceived stress and increased functional gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Functional gastrointestinal symptoms are common and may represent a negative physiological response to stress.
• This study underscores the impact of academic stress on student health, particularly gastrointestinal well-being.