Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term trends in mortality due to digestive diseases among older adults in Poland, with particular emphasis on age- and sex-specific patterns and the contribution of alcohol-related liver disease. Methods Mortality data for the years 2000–2022 were analyzed for individuals aged ≥65 years. Deaths due to diseases of the digestive system (ICD-10: K00–K93) were identified, with particular focus on alcoholic liver disease (K70) and liver fibrosis/cirrhosis (K74). Age-standardized death rates (SDRs) were calculated using the European Standard Population. Temporal trends were assessed using joinpoint regression to estimate annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC), stratified by sex and age groups (65–74 and ≥75 years). Results In early old age (65–74 years), the proportion of deaths due to digestive diseases increased in both men (from 3.6% to 5.0%) and women (from 4.1% to 4.5%), whereas a decrease was observed in late old age (≥75 years). Mortality was largely driven by alcoholic liver disease and liver fibrosis/cirrhosis, with increasing contributions across all analyzed subgroups. Among women aged 65–74 years, a significant upward trend in SDR was observed after 2015 (APC 3.5%, p < 0.05), with an increase from 54.7 to 70.8. In men of the same age group, SDR remained relatively stable overall (160.5 to 171.6), although mortality due to alcoholic liver disease increased significantly after 2015 (APC 6.7%, p < 0.05). In older age groups, declining trends were observed until the late 2010s, followed by recent non-significant increases. Conclusions Unfavorable trends in mortality due to digestive diseases, particularly in early old age, are primarily driven by alcohol-related liver disease. These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies, early detection, and public health interventions aimed at reducing the burden of digestive diseases in ageing populations. Key messages • Mortality due to digestive diseases among older adults in Poland shows unfavorable trends in early old age. • The growing burden of alcohol-related digestive diseases highlights the need for stronger prevention strategies, early detection of liver disease, and public health interventions.
Authors: M Burzyńska, M Pikala
Institution: Medical University of Lodz
Language: English
Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,181
OpenAlex ID: W7223675658