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Understanding the College Experience of Students with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
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Abstract
Studies have shown undergraduate students with a functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) such as irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), functional dysplasia (FD), or other related
functional gastrointestinal disorders have a greater level of perceived stress and a greater difficulty during the
transition to college than their healthy peers. There is limited research on how undergraduate students with
FGIDs conceptualize their disease, cope mentally and physically, and manage symptoms during the college
experience. Because diet is essential in FGID symptom management, the current study aims to understand how
on-campus dining options impact the mental and physical health of students with FGIDs and how social,
emotional, and personal environments impact their disease management. For many first and multi-year
undergraduates, attending post-secondary education includes a dining plan managed and provided by the college
or university. Understanding how the foods and resources provided are inclusive to those with FGIDs could help
explore the importance of proper nutritional options and emotional support networks to provide insight into the
lived experience of undergraduates with FGIDs. This study utilized qualitative in-depth semistructured
interviews to better understand how functional gastrointestinal disorders shape the college social, personal, and
nutritional experience and to understand how on-campus dining services impact symptom and disease
management. The results may be valuable for campus administrators, health and dining service professionals,
and others who make decisions about campus resources and wellbeing.
Type
Thesis
Date
2024-05