Date of Publication

7-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Medical Biology

Subject Categories

Health Psychology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

Roberto M. Demigillo, Jr.

Defense Panel Member

Amador F. Simando, III
Jowi Tsidkenu P. Cruz

Abstract (English)

High levels of academic stress have been studied to be associated with gastrointestinal complications such as functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). As such, this study aims to evaluate the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by De La Salle University-Manila College of Science undergraduate students and determine the relationship of these symptoms to academic stress. The study was carried out via a cross-sectional study design, making use of an online survey questionnaire that utilized the Perceived Stress Scale (α = 0.843236) and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (α = 0.832731). Following normal data distribution, descriptive statistics and parametric tests— including Pearson correlation test, t-test, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)—were performed via Excel and Statistica. 156 students participated in the study, with the majority comprising of females (N = 96, 61.54%), ID 121 students (N = 77, 49.36%), and students from the Department of Biology (N = 98, 62.82%), mostly Medical Biology students (N = 63, 40.38%). While little correlation was observed between age and perceived stress, females were found to have significantly higher perceived stress levels (M ± SD = 17.1875 ± 4.4256) than males (p = 0.0085), possibly due to biological and hormonal differences. PSS scores across departments did not statistically differ, but there was a significant difference between the stress levels of ID 119 and ID 122 (p = 0.017326), suggesting differences in academic load and internal factors. Between the two stress groups present, the moderate stress group (N = 113, M ± SD = 3.652802 ± 1.239875) scored significantly higher, which explains the more severe gastrointestinal health outcomes among those with higher stress. There is also a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.418) between perceived stress and gastrointestinal symptoms, wherein stressors like stressful academic weeks and study workload are seen to induce academic stress. Gastrointestinal disorders such as GERD, gastroenteritis, amoebiasis, and gastritis, and symptoms such as abdominal pain, indigestion, and reflux are also reported as prevalent among the students. It is recommended for future studies to target a larger sample size, consider data collection timing, and include questions that specify the academic stressors.

Abstract Format

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Abstract (Filipino)

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Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Gastrointestinal system—Diseases; Stress in adolescence--Philippines--Manila; College students—Mental health--Philippines

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Embargo Period

8-18-2025

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