Gut Quotient Scale Characteristics According to the Demographic Characteristics of Koreans

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to analyze the gut quotient scale (GQ) that we had previously developed by assessing factors on subjective assessment of overall intestinal symptoms and to conduct a comparative analysis of GQ based on demographic information. The study was also aimed to analyze the differences in GQ based on characteristics of intestinal health. Data were gathered from the responses of 1,120 individuals (male: 565, female: 555) aged 20-69 years through a nationwide quantitative survey of the general public. The demographic data were used to test the reliability and validity of the GQ scale items. The total GQ score of Koreans collected in the present study was 79.0 points. The results confirmed that people in Korea had a more negative assessment of their intestinal status based on overall subjective feeling, more so than specific attributes. They also had more negative feelings toward “bowel movement control discomfort” than “perceived intestinal discomfort” or “bowel movement discomfort.” The analysis showed no gender-based differences in the GQ of Koreans; however, there was an age-based difference among females aged 20-39 years who had a lower GQ than other age groups. Regarding marital status, married people showed lower GQ than unmarried/single people. Although there was no significant difference in GQ according to drinking types, heavy drinkers showed greater discomfort with bowel control than light drinkers. Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences in mean GQ based on education level, income level, and region. Respondents with positive subjective feelings about their intestinal state and those with healthy bowel movements showed higher GQ. The findings of the present study could be used as reference data when establishing national health policies and as basic data for pharmaceutical companies to develop marketing strategies for content related to intestinal health.