EPIDEMIOLOGY IN GASTROENTEROLOGY

A review of the literature on gastrointestinal epidemiology during the last 25 years shows a comprehensive contribution from Danish studies. This is partly explained by very favourable conditions in Denmark for epidemiological research, due to various valid registers and a long t radition for longitudinal population and patient cohorts. Data are pre sented on prevalence, incidence, demography, clinical risk factors, cl inical course, and prognosis of various gastrointestinal disorders. Ma in emphasis is put on Danish studies, which are compared with internat ional results. Present possibilities for prophylaxis against gastroint estinal diseases and delimitation of treatment of benign diseases are discussed. It is expected that research within gastrointestinal epidem iology in Denmark will increase in the coming years.