A new United European Gastroenterology report reveals the major health and economic impact of digestive diseases across Europe

Vienna, October 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Data from a new pan-European study on the burden of digestive diseases, presented today at UEG Week 2022 and United European Journal of GastroenterologySince 2000, the prevalence of many digestive diseases has reached alarming levels. These include chronic liver diseases, pancreatitis, gastritis, gastritis, vascular intestinal disorders and celiac disease in children. In addition, the incidence and mortality rates of all digestive cancers increased by 26% and 17%, respectively, between 2000 and 2019.

The report states that digestive diseases affect more than 300 million people Europe And the Mediterranean area and the associated economic costs are high. The incidence and prevalence of many digestive diseases is high among the young and the elderly and as the European population ages, this disease burden will inevitably increase.

Since 2000, age-adjusted incidence and mortality from liver and pancreatic cancer have been increasing in most European countries, with alcohol consumption, obesity and other modifiable lifestyle factors being identified as major contributors to the overall burden of these digestive disorders.

Researchers have noted increasing trends in digestive disease due to high body mass index in the continent. And, although some progress has been made since 2000 to reduce the burden attributable to alcohol, alcohol use remains a significant contributor to the burden of disease. One of the positive news to emerge from the study is the reduction in the health burden associated with smoking in all European countries following national intervention strategies.

Regarding the economic burden of digestive diseases, the UEG report showed that, overall, the estimated cost of inpatient healthcare delivery (excluding treatment and diagnosis) for digestive diseases as a percentage of GDP averaged 0.12%. 31 countries included in the study. This translates into a potential cost of approx 20 billion dollars In 2021

Luigi RicciardielloThe chair of the UEG Research Committee commented, “Health inequities persist. Europe And, with growing economic challenges, we expect these inequalities to worsen. Unfortunately, despite their high prevalence and global impact, many digestive diseases are still poorly understood and receive little attention from either a policy or funding perspective.

Source United European Gastroenterology (UEG)