Understanding the College Experience for Students with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders 

Presenter

Molly Kiley Andrews

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Caryn Brause, Department of Architecture, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 5, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A77, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 4 (A61-A80) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Studies have shown undergraduate students with functional gastrointestinal disorders (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 FGID conceptualize their disease, cope mentally and physically, and manage symptoms during the college experience. Because diet is essential in FGID symptoms management, the current study aims to understand how on-campus dining options impact the mental and physical health of students with FGID 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 FGID could help explore the importance of proper nutritional options and emotional support networks to provide insight into the lived experience of undergraduates with FGID. 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. 

Keywords

functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), undergraduate students , lived-experience, on-campus dining services, mental health

Research Area

Psychology and Behavioral Sciences

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