The association of ZJU index with bowel health in US participants: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the association between the Zhejiang University (ZJU) index, a composite metabolic indicator, and bowel health, specifically chronic diarrhea and constipation, using NHANES data (2005-2010). METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis included 11,180 participants. The ZJU index was used as the exposure variable, and bowel conditions were assessed via self-reported symptoms. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the association between the ZJU index and the prevalence of these conditions. Smooth curve fitting was utilized to evaluate potential non-linear relationships. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the findings. RESULTS: The ZJU index was significantly associated with both diarrhea and constipation prevalence. Specifically, a 5-unit increase in the ZJU index was associated with a 13% higher likelihood of chronic diarrhea (OR = 1.13, P < 0.001) and a 12% lower likelihood of chronic constipation (OR = 0.88, P = 0.004). Findings were consistent across subgroups and robust in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates an association between the ZJU index and bowel health outcomes. The results underscore the importance of metabolic factors in gastrointestinal health and suggest the ZJU index is associated with the risk of bowel disorder. Future research should validate these findings and explore underlying mechanisms.