INCIDENCE AND PREVALENCE OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE IN OSIJEK-BARANJA COUNTY, CROATIA, 2000-2014

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The exact causes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remain unknown.
• Regional incidence and prevalence data are crucial for identifying potential contributing factors to IBD.
• Previous research indicates variations in IBD occurrence across different geographical areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the incidence and prevalence trends of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) in Osijek-Baranja County between 2000 and 2014.
• To investigate demographic factors, specifically gender and education level, associated with UC and CD diagnoses.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 517 newly diagnosed IBD cases from 2000 to 2014.
• Calculation of incidence rates per 100,000 person-years for UC and CD.
• Examination of prevalence data and demographic characteristics (gender, education) of the patient cohort.

Main Results:

• A total of 329 UC and 188 CD cases were identified.
• Incidence rates for both UC and CD showed a decreasing trend in the later study period (2011-2014) compared to the earlier period (2000-2010).
• IBD prevalence exhibited an increasing trend throughout the study duration, with UC prevalence rising from 3/100,000 to 109.5/100,000 and CD from 2.5/100,000 to 63.3/100,000.
• A higher proportion of males were diagnosed with CD compared to UC.
• Patients diagnosed with CD demonstrated a significantly higher level of education than those with UC.

Conclusions:

• While incidence rates decreased in the later period, the overall prevalence of IBD, including UC and CD, is increasing.
• Demographic findings suggest potential gender-specific or education-related factors influencing the occurrence of CD versus UC.
• Further research is warranted to explore these demographic associations and their implications for IBD etiology.