title: Community-based study of the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases in The Netherlands.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Water- and Food Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health and Environmental Protection, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Hoogenboom-Verdegaal
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: de Jong
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: During
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hoogenveen
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Hoekstra
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005759:Gastroenteritis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires