Influence of lifestyles on the prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders in medical students.
Abstract
Objective: The research explores the relationship between the lifestyles of university students and the prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, identifying key factors that allow the generation of intervention strategies to improve the health of medical students. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research adopted a quantitative and descriptive-correlational approach. A survey designed to assess lifestyles and gastrointestinal disorders was administered to 251 medical students, selected in a stratified manner, during the period April-August 2024. The analysis included correlation tests to examine the association between variables. Results/Discussion: The data showed a high prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders associated with unhealthy lifestyles. The main factors identified were inadequate eating habits and poor stress management. Statistical analysis reflected a mean association (p<0.05) between unhealthy lifestyles and gastrointestinal disorders, confirming a significant relationship between both variables. These results highlight the need for interventions that promote better habits in the student community. Conclusions: Unhealthy lifestyles significantly influence the prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders. It is recommended to implement health promotion programs to reduce the incidence of these conditions and improve students' wellbeing. Originality: The study provides evidence on the relationship between lifestyles and gastrointestinal disorders in university students, an area little explored in Ecuador. Its findings can guide health policies and preventive programs in higher education institutions.
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