Association between Stress Levels and Functional Dyspepsia among Medical Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study of Indonesian Christian University

Abstract

Background: Stress is a problem that often occurs among students. The high incidence of stress in students can interfere with students' effectiveness in carrying out their lecture activities. Stress in students not only affects the quality of learning but can also affect the physical condition of students, one of which is the occurrence of gastrointestinal disorders, one example of which is dyspepsia. Aims: This study aims to determine whether there is a relationship between stress levels and functional dyspepsia in students at the Faculty of Medicine, Indonesian Christian University class of 2020. Study Design: This research uses an observational analytical research design method with a cross-sectional approach. The main data source is primary data obtained through questionnaires taken online via Google Forms. Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted at the Indonesian Christian University located in Cawang, East Jakarta. Time of research in September 2022. Methodology: The population in this study was 137 students from the Faculty of Medicine, Indonesian Christian University class of 2020. The sample was taken using a simple random sampling technique totaling 103 people determined using the Slovin formula with an uncertainty percentage of 5%. Results: From the results of data collection on 103 respondents who were FK UKI students Class of 2020, around 65% or 67 respondents were identified as having normal stress levels and as many as 64 students (62%) had symptoms of functional dyspepsia. Based on the results of the bivariate analysis, it was found that there was a relationship between the level of stress and the incidence of dyspepsia experienced by FK UKI students class of 2020 with the results of the chi-square test, namely p = 0.003 < sig 0.05 Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between stress levels and functional dyspepsia. This certainly cannot be taken lightly because the incidence of functional dyspepsia can have fatal consequences which can disrupt the sufferer's activities and productivity. Therefore, it is very necessary to manage emotions (stress levels) both by the sufferer himself and with professional help.