Association between academic stress during exam period, dietary behavior and bowel symptoms among medical students in Saudi Arabia

• DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2023.101318
• Publication Date: 2023-05-15T11:26:40Z
• Authors: Shatha Alduraywish; Abdullah Alburikan; Majed Alotaibi; Abdulaziz Alhamoudi; Abdullah Aldosari; Mohammed Alturki; Ahmed Alotaibi; Shabana Tharkar
• Keywords: Stress Management; Perceived Stress Scale

BackgroundThe study evaluated the levels of academic stress in medical students and investigated its association with eating habits bowel symptoms.MethodsTwo hundred ninety seven participated study. Medical from all five years were recruited using a stratified random sampling technique. A well-structured questionnaire containing three sections on levels, habits, symptoms was self-administered. Student t-test ANOVA used to quantify between variables.ResultsThe showed high accounting for low (2%), moderate (72%), high-stress (26%) during exams. Men higher than women. The similar distribution across Poor dietary noted among students. Around 66% reported skipping breakfast, 69% consumed frequent unhealthy snacks. Reduced consumption fruits less times per week (61.5%) drinking water 2 L day (82.3%) noted. Mean scores worsened as increased (p = 0.007). Similarly, PAC-SYM associated < 0.001). Women more severe constipation men (8.83 ± 8.0 2; 5.68 5.87; p 0.001).ConclusionsAlarming exam period. There is an urgent need frame multidisciplinary strategies involving behavior modification, nutrition education special focus reduction programs