Investigating the prevalence burden of peptic ulcer disease in older adults aged 70+ from 1990 to 2019: an analysis of Global Disease Burden Studies.

Background: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) affects individuals aged ≥70 years globally, exerting a significant impact on their health and well-being. Understanding its epidemiological evolution and associated factors is crucial for guiding interventions and improving management.

Methods: This study utilized Global Burden of Disease Study data to examine the prevalence and temporal changes of PUD in individuals aged 70 years and older between 1990 and 2019. The analysis included assessing estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) to investigate temporal trends and regional variations.

Results: Over the past 30 years, the number of individuals aged 70 years and above suffering from PUD globally has increased from 1 065 730 cases in 1990 to 1 608 463 cases in 2019. Despite an increasing number of cases, the prevalence of PUD among the elderly has exhibited a steady decline, with an EAPC of -1.47 (95% confidence interval: -1.57 to -1.37) over this timeframe. In 2019, the prevalence rates of PUD among individuals aged 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, and 85 years and older were 313.36, 365.77, 388.45, and 352.51 per 100 000 population, respectively. South Asia, high-income North America, and Central Sub-Saharan Africa were the regions with the highest prevalence rates of PUD in 2019, with rates of 624.90, 575.48, and 474.80 per 100 000 population, respectively. At the national level, Ireland, Australia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, and Bangladesh have effectively managed the burden of PUD among the elderly, achieving the greatest reduction. Additionally, regions with higher levels of socioeconomic development tended to have relatively lower burdens of PUD among the elderly, and prevalence rates varied across different regions and age groups.

Conclusion: Our study highlights the enduring burden of PUD among the global elderly population, emphasizing the significance of tailored interventions to address this pressing issue. This research underscores the critical need for targeted public health strategies aimed at improving outcomes specifically for older adults affected by PUD.