Community-based study of the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases in The Netherlands

• Published in: Epidemiology and infection Vol. 112; no. 3; pp. 481 - 487
• Main Authors: Hoogenboom-Verdegaal, A. M. M., De Jong, J. C., During, M., Hoogenveen, R., Hoekstra, J. A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01.06.1994
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Age groups; Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Diarrhea; Digestive system diseases; Diseases; Epidemiology; Epidemiology. Vaccinations; Female; Gastroenteritis; Gastroenteritis - epidemiology; Gastroenteritis - physiopathology; Gastrointestinal diseases; General aspects; General practice; Humans; Incidence; Infectious diseases; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Netherlands - epidemiology; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index; Sex Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Symptoms; Vomiting; Netherlands; Europe; Infection; Human; Gastroenteritis; Diarrhea; Digestive diseases; Community; Hygiene; Public health; Incidence
• ISSN: 0950-2688; 1469-4409
• DOI: 10.1017/S0950268800051189

The incidence of gastrointestinal diseases was studied in a community-based study in four regions of The Netherlands. Two grades of severity were distinguished − 1: diarrhoea or vomiting and at least 2 additional symptoms within the period of 1 week, and 2: diarrhoea or vomiting and at least 2 additional symptoms occurring on the same day lasting at least 2 days within the period of 1 week. The incidence of gastrointestinal episodes was calculated to be 630 for grade 1 and 180 for grade 2 disease per 1000 person-years, after correction for age and sex. The incidence was higher for women than for men (relative risk 1·25) and lower for those in the 19–64-year-old age group when compared to those younger or older (relative risk 0·75 and 0·40. respectively). Independent of the degree of severity of the symptoms, about 20% of the patients had consulted a general practitioner, about half in person and half by telephone. It is concluded that community studies are essential to assess the real incidence of gastrointestinal diseases in the population.