Prevalence and risk factors of belching disorders: A cross-sectional study among freshman college students

Belching disorders seriously affect quality of life; however, their prevalences and risk factors remain unknown. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors, particularly lifestyle factors, of belching disorders among freshman college students in central China.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in September 2019 in Huazhong University of Science and Technology (Wuhan, Hubei Province, China). The subjects were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire for data collection, including sociodemographic information, lifestyle factors, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Belching disorder was diagnosed based on the Rome IV criteria. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the risk factors for belching disorders.

A total of 3335 subjects were enrolled, and 78.26% were men. Among them, 1.95% (65/3335) reported belching disorders. Significant differences in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Student-Life Stress Inventory (SLSI) scores, and consumption of whole grains, black tea, coffee were found between the belching and non-belching groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that coffee consumption at least once weekly and a high total SLSI score (over mean + standard deviation) were independent risk factors for belching disorders, while intake of whole grains at least once weekly was a protective factor.

Excessive belching is a common disorder among freshman college students in central China. Lifestyle factors, including consumption of whole grains and coffee, and stress, were associated with belching disorders. Therefore, dietary intervention may be a potential management for belching disorders.