[Gastroduodenal ulcers during the period of acute economical crisis]

The occurrence and development of acute ulcers in Sofia during the period of heavy economical recession--January trough February 1991--is analyzed. There is a clear cut increase in the total number and rate of acute duodenal ulcers from 2 to 14%. No gastric ulcer cases are recorded. The young age group--up to 40 years of age--is mainly affected (79% of cases). The incidence among the female population shows a noticeable rise. Difficult living, working and social conditions, associated with inadequate feeding regimen with diets, poor in meat and vitamins, are taken to be the underlying factors of acute ulcers development during the period in question.