Susceptibility of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms in Medical Students: A Formative Study

Eviana Budiartanti Sutanto; Luciana Budiati  Sutanto; Fransisca Pramesshinta  Hardimarta; Henrita  Ernestia; Lidwina Indra Aprilia Christiana  To; Cynthia  Tjitradinata; Perigrinus Hermin  Sebong

doi:10.36452/jkdoktmeditek.v31i5.3758

Authors

Eviana Budiartanti Sutanto Faculty of Medicine, Soegijapranata Catholic University, Semarang, Indonesia
Luciana Budiati Sutanto Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Krida Wacana Christian University, Jakarta, Indonesia
Fransisca Pramesshinta Hardimarta Faculty of Medicine, Soegijapranata Catholic University, Semarang, Indonesia
Henrita Ernestia Faculty of Medicine, Soegijapranata Catholic University, Semarang, Indonesia
Lidwina Indra Aprilia Christiana To Faculty of Medicine, Soegijapranata Catholic University, Semarang, Indonesia
Cynthia Tjitradinata Faculty of Medicine, Soegijapranata Catholic University, Semarang, Indonesia
Perigrinus Hermin Sebong Faculty of Medicine, Soegijapranata Catholic University, Semarang, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36452/jkdoktmeditek.v31i5.3758

Keywords:

Formative study, GERD, Medical Students, NSAID

Abstract

Introduction: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common chronic health problem associated with decreased quality of life and high morbidity. Many factors, including lifestyle, eating habits, medication, and mental stress, can trigger gastroesophageal reflux disease. A medical student who experiences high pressure during their training may have a GERD issue. Hence, this study aims to investigate the correlation between risk factors and the development of GERD in medical students. Methods: We used data from a cross-sectional study conducted at Soegijapranata Catholic University, Semarang, among medical students. Participants were recruited with inclusion criteria, namely all students aged over 18 years who were willing to fill out a questionnaire voluntarily, and were not undergoing treatment for gastric ulcers or mental disorders. Two questionnaires are used: a questionnaire developed to obtain demographic characteristics and a GERDQ questionnaire. A significant relationship is considered to occur if the p-value <0.05. Result: A total of 122 students were included. Among them, 23 students, consisting of 16 (13.11%) women and 7 (5.73%) men, suffered from GERD. It was found that nine people (7.4%) consumed NSAIDs, with a p-value of 0.014. Conclusion: The prevalence of GERD among medical students is relatively high, showing a significant link between the use of NSAIDs and GERD. Practical studies are needed to tackle the issue of uncontrolled NSAID use and to promote lifestyle modifications.

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