Geographic distribution of peptic ulcer disease in Western Samoa

A survey of peptic ulcer disease in Western Samoa is described. As compared with New Zealand experience, an unusually high prevalence of peptic ulceration is documented. A remarkable and significant variation in the geographic distribution of cases is reported. Regions of high prevalence were significantly associated with disease onset at an earlier age and with increased frequency of a family history of ulcer disease. It is concluded that this genetic predisposition is unlikely to sufficiently account for the regional localisation of cases observed and environmental causes are under study.