Gastroesophageal reflux disease and psychoemotinal status: a cross-sectional study

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a multifactorial condition characterized by the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus, leading to bothersome symptoms and potentially serious complications. The mechanisms underlying lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction and hiatal hernia formation in GERD remain insufficiently understood. It is plausible that esophageal motility disorders and visceral hypersensitivity are influenced by alterations in the central, autonomic, and enteric nervous systems, particularly in the context of elevated stress levels commonly observed among students. Objective. To evaluate the role of psychoemotional status in the development of GERD symptoms in university students. Material and methods. The study included 157 students from higher education institutions in the Russian Federation. Participants completed an online questionnaire comprising the GerdQ, HADS, Spielberger-Hanin State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Chalder Fatigue Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using multivariate covariance analysis. Results. Based on the GerdQ screening tool, 19.7% of respondents demonstrated symptoms suggestive of GERD. A statistically significant association was observed between GERD symptoms and (1) high anxiety according to HADS, (2) elevated situational anxiety (p=0.005), (3) fatigue severity on the Chalder scale (p<0.001), (4) depressive symptoms on HADS (p=0.017), and (5) the combination of high trait anxiety (Spielberger-Hanin) with pronounced mental fatigue (p=0.031). Multivariate covariance analysis identified seven psychoemotional profiles — distinct psychological patterns significantly associated with GERD symptom development, primarily driven by anxiety, trait anxiety, and depression. Conclusion. Screening for anxiety and depression should be incorporated into the comprehensive assessment of patients with GERD, particularly in populations exposed to elevated stress.