Objective

In this study we aimed to assess the prevalence of functional bowel disorders (FBD) in a group of Chinese first-year undergraduates and the association between common beverage intake and FBD.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among first-year undergraduates in Huazhong University of Science and Technology (Wuhan, Hubei Province, China). In total, 3102 questionnaires on their lifestyle, dietary habits and gastrointestinal symptoms were collected and analyzed. FBD was diagnosed based on the Rome IV criteria. A logistic regression analysis was performed to compare the differences in beverage intake in participants with and without FBD in order to identify possible risk factors for FBD.

Results

The overall prevalence of FBD was 7.64%. The logistic regression analysis showed that those who drank coffee at a frequency of once a month to thrice a week had a higher prevalence of FBD than those who drank it less than once a month (odds ratio 1.405 [95% confidence interval 1.013-1.949]) after adjusted for age, sex, sleep quality, exercise, stress and other dietary habits. However, a further increase in coffee consumption did not lead to an elevated prevalence of FBD.

Conclusions

Among the first-year undergraduates, FBD affected 7.64% of them. Coffee consumption might be related to an increased prevalence of FBD.