The Relationship between Diet and the Incidence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Boarding School Students

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common digestive system disorder, particularly affecting young adults, such as college students. Boarding school students tend to have irregular diets due to independent living habits, academic pressure, and limited eating facilities, which can increase the risk of GERD. This study aims to analyse the relationship between diet, including eating regularity, dinner time, and spicy food consumption, and the incidence of GERD in boarding school students living near the University of Bengkulu. This research method uses a quantitative analytical design with a cross-sectional approach. A sample of 35 boarding school students was selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and analysed using the chi-square test with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results showed a significant association between an irregular diet and the incidence of GERD (p = 0.039), dinner after 21:00 and the incidence of GERD (p = 0.046), and consumption of spicy foods with the incidence of GERD (p = 0.045). Conclusion Irregular diet, late dinner habits, and consumption of spicy food are factors related to the incidence of GERD in boarding school students. Education about a healthy diet is necessary as a preventive measure against gastrointestinal disorders.