EXPLORING THE CURRENT STATE OF GENERATION Z HEALTH LITERATURE IN ASEAN: A BIBLIOMETRIC REVIEW AND FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS

This study investigates the health of Generation Z in ASEAN countries, focusing on the bibliometric trends of journal articles published between 1980 and 2026, specifically examining mental health and well-being. Through a quantitative approach, bibliometric analysis was conducted using tools such as VOSviewer, Biblioshiny (R-package), and Publish or Perish, with data collected from the Scopus database based on a systematic search strategy guided by the PRISMA framework. A total of 688 eligible articles were analyzed, revealing a steady annual publication growth rate of 2.42%. Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand emerged as the leading countries in Generation Z health research, with Malaysia contributing the highest number of publications.
Dominant keywords include “mental health,” “adolescents,” “stress,” and “social media,” indicating a strong focus on
psychological well-being, digital environments, and lifestyle factors. Influential journals such as the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health and BMC Public Health play a significant role in shaping the field. The analysis identifies key research themes, including mental health challenges, the impact of social media, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, certain areas such as digital health tools, gender-specific health concerns, and regional health disparities remain underexplored, highlighting potential future research directions. This study provides a comprehensive overview, offering insights into the evolving landscape of Generation Z health research in ASEAN and suggesting avenues for future investigation.