The Role of Body Mass Index in Assessing Nutritional Status

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 53 views

The Relationship between Body Mass Index and Functional Dyspepsia in Students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra Class 2015-2018

Understanding Dyspepsia: A Common Complaint Affecting Many Individuals

Dyspepsia is a common complaint that can be experienced by many people in a certain time. Research shows that between 15% to 30% of adults have experienced dyspepsia at least once in a few days. In general practice, almost 30% of doctors visits are caused by dyspepsia, and this figure increases to 60% in the practice of gastroenterology specialist doctors. One factor that can affect dyspepsia is the nutritional status of individuals, which is often measured through the body's mass index (BMI). The importance of understanding the relationship between BMI and dyspepsia cannot be overstated, especially for medical students who have the potential to face gastrointestinal health problems later on.

The Role of Body Mass Index in Assessing Nutritional Status

BMI is a simple method for assessing the nutritional status of adults, as well as knowing the potential for overweight or overweight. It is calculated by dividing the individual's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. In this study, we aim to find out whether there is a relationship between BMI and Functional Dyspepsia among students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra from the class of 2015 to 2018. Understanding the relationship between BMI and dyspepsia can help medical students identify potential risk factors and take preventive measures to maintain good digestive health.

Research Methodology

This study uses analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. The population studied was a student of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, class of 2015-2018, with sampling was carried out using the quota sampling method. Data is taken through a questionnaire that refers to Rome IV criteria for functional dyspepsia, as well as measurement of weight and height to calculate BMI. For data analysis, the Chi-Square test is used. The use of a cross-sectional approach allows us to examine the relationship between BMI and dyspepsia at a specific point in time, while the quota sampling method ensures that the sample is representative of the population.

Research Result

Of the 95 respondents involved in this study, it was found that 39 people (41.1%) experienced functional dyspepsia. Interestingly, respondents who experienced the most functional dyspepsia come from the normal BMI category, which is as many as 21 people (53.8%). Analysis of the relationship between BMI and Functional Dyspepsia through the Chi-Square test produces a P value of 0.196 (P> 0.05), which shows the absence of a significant relationship between the two variables. The results of this study suggest that other factors may be more influential on the emergence of dyspepsia, and students need to pay more attention to diet, stress levels, and other psychological factors that can affect the condition of their stomach.

Conclusion

From the results of this study, it can be concluded that there is no significant relationship between body mass index and functional dyspepsia in students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, class of 2015-2018. This shows that other factors may be more influential on the emergence of dyspepsia, and students need to pay more attention to diet, stress levels, and other psychological factors that can affect the condition of their stomach. Understanding the importance of a holistic approach to health is crucial in preventing and overcoming the problem of dyspepsia in the future.

Added Value for Readers

Understanding of dyspepsia and the factors that influence it is very important for medical students who have the potential to face gastrointestinal health problems later on. With this research, students are expected to pay more attention to their health conditions and not ignore complaints that arise, even in the Normal BMI category. This is also a reminder that nutritional status is not the only factor in digestive health, and a holistic approach to health is important to prevent and overcome the problem of dyspepsia in the future. By understanding the relationship between BMI and dyspepsia, medical students can take preventive measures to maintain good digestive health and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal health problems later on.

Implications of the Study

The results of this study have several implications for medical students and healthcare professionals. Firstly, it highlights the importance of a holistic approach to health, taking into account not only nutritional status but also other factors that can affect digestive health. Secondly, it emphasizes the need for medical students to pay attention to their health conditions and not ignore complaints that arise, even in the Normal BMI category. Finally, it suggests that other factors may be more influential on the emergence of dyspepsia, and students need to pay more attention to diet, stress levels, and other psychological factors that can affect the condition of their stomach. By understanding the implications of this study, medical students and healthcare professionals can take preventive measures to maintain good digestive health and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal health problems later on.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations that need to be addressed. Firstly, the sample size is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the results. Secondly, the study only examines the relationship between BMI and dyspepsia in students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, class of 2015-2018, and may not be representative of other populations. Finally, the study only uses a cross-sectional approach, which may not capture the dynamic relationship between BMI and dyspepsia over time. By acknowledging the limitations of this study, we can identify areas for future research and improve the validity and reliability of the results.

Future Research Directions

This study provides several directions for future research. Firstly, it highlights the need for further research on the relationship between BMI and dyspepsia in other populations, such as the general population or patients with gastrointestinal health problems. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of using a longitudinal approach to examine the dynamic relationship between BMI and dyspepsia over time. Finally, it suggests that other factors may be more influential on the emergence of dyspepsia, and future research should investigate the role of diet, stress levels, and other psychological factors in digestive health. By exploring these research directions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between BMI and dyspepsia and develop effective strategies for preventing and overcoming gastrointestinal health problems.
Q&A: Relationship between Body Mass Index and Functional Dyspepsia in Students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra Class 2015-2018

Frequently Asked Questions

We have received many questions from readers regarding the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and functional dyspepsia in students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra class 2015-2018. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions and our answers:

Q: What is the relationship between BMI and functional dyspepsia?

A: Our study found that there is no significant relationship between BMI and functional dyspepsia in students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra class 2015-2018. This means that other factors may be more influential on the emergence of dyspepsia, and students need to pay more attention to diet, stress levels, and other psychological factors that can affect the condition of their stomach.

Q: What is functional dyspepsia?

A: Functional dyspepsia is a type of gastrointestinal disorder characterized by persistent or recurrent symptoms of upper abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, and early satiety. It is a common complaint that can be experienced by many people in a certain time.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it highlights the importance of a holistic approach to health, taking into account not only nutritional status but also other factors that can affect digestive health. It also emphasizes the need for medical students to pay attention to their health conditions and not ignore complaints that arise, even in the Normal BMI category.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations that need to be addressed. Firstly, the sample size is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the results. Secondly, the study only examines the relationship between BMI and dyspepsia in students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra class 2015-2018, and may not be representative of other populations. Finally, the study only uses a cross-sectional approach, which may not capture the dynamic relationship between BMI and dyspepsia over time.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are that medical students and healthcare professionals need to pay more attention to diet, stress levels, and other psychological factors that can affect the condition of their stomach. They also need to take a holistic approach to health, taking into account not only nutritional status but also other factors that can affect digestive health.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: This study provides several directions for future research. Firstly, it highlights the need for further research on the relationship between BMI and dyspepsia in other populations, such as the general population or patients with gastrointestinal health problems. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance of using a longitudinal approach to examine the dynamic relationship between BMI and dyspepsia over time. Finally, it suggests that other factors may be more influential on the emergence of dyspepsia, and future research should investigate the role of diet, stress levels, and other psychological factors in digestive health.

Q: How can medical students and healthcare professionals apply the findings of this study?

A: Medical students and healthcare professionals can apply the findings of this study by taking a holistic approach to health, taking into account not only nutritional status but also other factors that can affect digestive health. They should also pay more attention to diet, stress levels, and other psychological factors that can affect the condition of their stomach. Additionally, they should encourage patients to do the same, and provide them with education and support to manage their digestive health.

Q: What are the potential consequences of ignoring complaints of dyspepsia?

A: Ignoring complaints of dyspepsia can lead to a range of negative consequences, including chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, decreased quality of life, and increased risk of gastrointestinal health problems. It can also lead to a lack of trust in healthcare providers and a sense of frustration and disappointment.

Q: How can medical students and healthcare professionals prevent and manage gastrointestinal health problems?

A: Medical students and healthcare professionals can prevent and manage gastrointestinal health problems by taking a holistic approach to health, taking into account not only nutritional status but also other factors that can affect digestive health. They should also encourage patients to do the same, and provide them with education and support to manage their digestive health. Additionally, they should stay up-to-date with the latest research and guidelines on gastrointestinal health, and provide patients with evidence-based care.