NIGHT EATING SYNDROME AND GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN LITHUANIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background and Relevance. Late night food consumption and evening hyperphagia are hallmarks of the underdiagnosed eating disorder known as Night Eating Syndrome (NES). Due to stress, irregular habits and disturbed circadian rhythms, it is more common in young adult groups particularly college students. Since nighttime eating reduces the duration between meals and sleep which exacerbates reflux symptoms, there is growing evidence that NES may have a role in the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, little research has been done on this relationship among students in Europe especially in Lithuania.Purpose. This study aimed to determine how common night eating syndrome (NES) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms were among Vilnius University students as well as if there were any correlations between the two disorders.Methods: In 2024, cross-sectional research was carried out via an anonymous online survey that offered a reward for participation. The following validated instruments were used: MEDAS, IPAQ SF, NEQ and GerdQ. To analyze the data, R 4.4.2 was used. Chi square and t-tests were used to assess bivariate correlations. The threshold for statistical significance was p < 0.05 Results. Among 697 students there the mean age 20.8 ± 2.1 years; 61.7% female, 28.6% had GERD symptoms and 9.8% had NES. Those with NES had a significantly higher prevalence of GERD (57.9% vs. 25.6%, p < 0.0001). Multivariable analysis showed NES was an independent predictor of GERD symptoms (AOR = 2.59).Conclusions. Night eating syndrome was independently linked to a noticeably higher risk of GERD symptoms among university students. These findings highlight the importance of treating late night eating as a modifiable risk factor and suggest that screening for NES along with promoting healthier eating habits which may help reduce GERD-related distress in student population.