Gastroenterological Concerns in Younger Generation's Compared to Older People in Malaysia

Abstract

This study explores gastroenterological concerns among the younger generation compared to older individuals in Malaysia. With a rapidly aging population, understanding the differences in gastrointestinal health between age groups is crucial for effective healthcare planning and intervention. Utilizing a comparative approach, this research aims to analyze the prevalence, types, and severity of gastroenterological issues experienced by younger individuals in contrast to older adults within the Malaysian population. Through a cross-sectional study design, demographic data and Fraboni Scale of Ageism (FSA) scores were collected from 200 participants aged 18 to 35 years. Descriptive analysis was utilized to examine demographic characteristics and attitudes towards older adults, while the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests assessed the relationship between FSA scores, age, and gender. Findings revealed predominantly positive attitudes towards older adults among the younger generation, with no significant differences based on age group or gender. This study contributes to understanding the perceptions and attitudes towards aging in Malaysia while highlighting the need for tailored healthcare strategies to address gastroenterological concerns across different age demographics.