Factors Associated with Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating in the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background:

Aging is one of the stages of human life associated with many challenges and changes. Considering the importance of the gastrointestinal tract on the health of older people, the present study aimed to investigate factors associated with Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating (GSR) in the elderly in Neyshabur.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was performed on 481 older adults referred to comprehensive health services centers in Neyshabur in 2023. Sampling was done using a stratified random sampling method proportional to the size of the floors. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires and the GSR scale. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression were used in SPSS software version 16 to inspect the relationship between demographic variables and GSR scores.

Results:

 The mean±SD of the age of older people was 68.89±7.32 years. Also, the mean±SD of GSR in the elderly was 13.06±14.09, which indicated a low prevalence of GSR in the elderly. Based on the results of regression analysis, there was a statistically significant relationship between the GSR with unemployment (B=-11.294, living with children (B=7.910, P=0.003) and anxiety (B=0.887, P<0.001).

Conclusion:

 The findings of this study indicated that the GSR in the elderly was low. Therefore, it is suggested that comprehensive health services centers have programs focused on improving and preventing digestive problems in the elderly.