THE RELATIONSHIP CAFFEINATED BEVERAGE CONSUMPTION WITH SYMPTOMS OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD) IN HEALTH FACULTY STUDENTS CIREBON INSTITUTE MAHARDIKA

Introduction: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a condition that occurs when
gastric contents (gastric juices) flow back into the esophagus due to weakened Lower
Esophageal Sphincter pressure, which can cause disturbing symptoms. One of the risk
factors for GERD is caffeine consumption, where caffeine can stimulate gastric acid
secretion and reduce Lower Esophageal Sphincter pressure. Caffeine is found in plants
such as coffee, cola, and tea, which acts as a stimulant for the central nervous system,
increasing alertness and reducing drowsiness. Objective: This study aims to determine the
relationship between consumption of caffeinated beverages and symptoms of
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in students of the Faculty of Health, Mahardika
Institute Cirebon.
Methods: This study used an observational analytic design with a cross-sectional
approach. Data were collected by filling out a caffeinated beverage consumption
questionnaire and GERD-Q via google form involving 87 students of the Faculty of Health,
Mahardika Institute by proportionate stratified random sampling. The statistical test used
in this study was the chi-square test to determine the relationship between variables.
Research Results: This study shows that there is an association between consumption of
caffeinated beverages and symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) as
evidenced by a p-value of 0.002 (p <0.05).
Conclusion: There is a relationship between consumption of caffeinated beverages and
symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in students of the Faculty of
Health, Mahardika University Cirebon.
Recommendation: Students at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Mahardika Institute, who
consume caffeinated beverages in the poor category should be more prudent in their
consumption of caffeinated beverages to maintain digestive health,