Potential Risk Factors of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction in Undergraduates and Postgraduates: Partially Mediated by Life Stress and Lifestyle

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) and life stress in college students, and explore risk factors of DGBI in college students and the role of life stress. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 2,578 college students filled up validated questionnaires assessing GI symptoms, lifestyle, and life stress. Participants were diagnosed as DGBI based on the Rome III criteria. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis and mediation effect model were employed to explore potential risk factors of DGBI and the mediating role of life stress and lifestyle in DGBI. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 437 of 2,578 (17.0%) college students were diagnosed with DGBI. College students with DGBI had higher levels of life stress, including eight specific categories. Females (1.709 [1.437, 2.033]), staying up late (1.519 [1.300, 1.776]), and life stress (1.008 [1.006, 1.010]) were risk factors for DGBI, while postgraduates (0.751 [0.578, 0.976]) and regular diet (0.751 [0.685, 0.947]) were protective factors. Males and poor family economic were associated with a higher risk of DGBI after controlling stress, while an association between grade and DGBI was mediated by stress, regular diet, and sleep habits. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> DGBI was common among college students. Life stress and lifestyle were associated with DGBI and mediated partial association between grade and DGBI in college students. More attention should be paid to undergraduates.