Impact of Academic Stress and Lifestyle of Medical Students on Severity of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Iraq
Abstract
Background: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders that adversely affects daily activities and quality of life, especially in medical students who lead a stressful and irregular lifestyle. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between academic stress, lifestyle factors and GERD severity among a sample of medical students in Iraq. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study conducted among 151 medical students from different medical colleges in Iraq between November 17, 2024 and February 18, 2025. This paper collected data through an online questionnaire including demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, academic stress and GERD-related symptoms. Results: 53% male and 47% (71) female. The students were primarily in the fourth academic year (63 students), followed by fifth-year (23 students), third-year (22 students), second-year (22 students), sixth-year (20 students) and first year 1 student. Most participants lived in urban communities (109, 72.1%) and fewer participants resided in suburbs (21, 13.9%) or rural areas. The overall prevalence of heartburn (a typical symptom of GERD) was 60.9% (n = 92). The most common reported location of pain in the 87 records was the chest or upper abdomen (46 cases), followed by the stomach/epigastric region (32 cases) and the neck (7 cases). The pain was described as burning (85 cases) or tightening (12 cases) most often. Only 13% said it…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 92 participants or records.
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