EPIDEMIOLOGICAL INDICATORS OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS IN THE CITY OF SEMEY

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic somatic disease requiring long-term treatment and associated with unfavorable outcomes. While global incidence and prevalence of UC are reported to be increasing, epidemiological data for Kazakhstan, particularly for the central city of the Semey region (Abai Region), remain scarce.

To determine the trends in prevalence and other epidemiological characteristics of ulcerative colitis in the central city of the Semey region - Abai Region.

A cross-sectional study was conducted using primary medical records (inpatient, outpatient, and electronic medical records from Integrated medical information system) collected between 2014 and 2023. Data on incidence, prevalence, patient loss to follow-up, disease exacerbations, severity, activity level, age, and gender structure were analyzed. A total of 1,539 primary medical records were reviewed. Statistical analysis involved Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact two-tailed test, with a significance level set at p<0.05.

The study revealed an overall increasing trend in the average annual number of registered UC patients per 100,000 population, rising from 23.7 in 2014 to 45.4 in 2023 (trend magnitude: 9.0% per year). Newly diagnosed cases showed a general increase, but with a noticeable decrease during the COVID-19 pandemic. The disease structure was dominated by patients with moderate severity (Grade 2) (58.5% average) and Grade 2 activity (57.5% average). A significant finding was the consistent upward trend in the proportion of patients with Grade 1 activity (4.7% per year increase), likely due to improved diagnosis. The age distribution showed two peaks, in the 31-40 years and 51-60 years categories. Females moderately predominated throughout the study period, accounting for 54.9% to 58.1% of the cohort.

The burden of UC on the healthcare system in the Semey region is growing, driven by both increasing incidence and improved diagnostic efficiency. The identified epidemiological characteristics, including the dual age peaks and moderate female predominance, largely align with international findings. Data collection during the COVID-19 pandemic suggests a potential issue with case detection during healthcare restrictions, hypothesizing increased mortality requiring further verification. These data are crucial for forecasting future trends and planning necessary healthcare resources for UC management in Kazakhstan.