Abstract

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and uninvestigated dyspepsia (UD) are functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) that significantly impair quality of life and impose burden on healthcare systems. Despite extensive global research, data from Pakistan remain scarce. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of these disorders among medical students at Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU).
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among MBBS students from first to final year between May and July 2024. A total of 264 students (223 females, 41 males) completed a structured questionnaire that included demographic and lifestyle information, along with the Leeds Dyspepsia, GERD, and IBS questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS-28 to determine prevalence and associations with potential risk factors.
Results: The prevalence of UD, IBS, and GERD was 24%, 21%, and 17.4%, respectively. A significant association was found between UD and family history (p = 0.001), and between IBS and both family history (p = 0.002) and physical activity (p = 0.002). No significant associations were found between GERD and any of the investigated risk factors.
Conclusions: FGIDs are prevalent among RMU medical students. Family history is a common risk factor for both UD and IBS, while physical activity is associated with IBS. GERD showed no notable associations, suggesting a need for further investigation. These findings emphasize the importance of early identification and targeted interventions. Broader studies with diverse populations and standardized diagnostic tools are recommended to enhance generalizability.

Key words: Gastrointestinal disorders, GERD, dyspepsia, IBS.