Diseases of the digestive system as the cause of disability certificates

Abstract

Abstract Introduction. The incidence of gastrointestinal system neoplasms increases. Colon cancer is one of the most prevalent neoplasms in men and women. Cardiovascular diseases and cancers are among leading causes of death in Poland. Colon cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases (inflammatory, autoimmune, neoplastic), can be causes of disability too. Aim. The aim of the study was to investigate the characteristics of 16+ population obtaining disability certificates due to gas­trointestinal diseases in Lublin within the last 16 years. Material and methods. The data from the years 2006-2021 were obtained from the Municipal Disability Adjudication Council in Lublin. Results. In the years 2006-2021 Municipal Disability Adjudication Council in Lublin issued 76,581 disability certificates. Out of that number 2861 (3.7%) certificates were issued due to gastrointestinal diseases. In the years 2006-2012 mainly moderate degree disability was diagnosed. Since 2013 most of the 16+ patients have been diagnosed with severe disability. Majority of patients were unemployed men with vocational education. Conclusions. Gastrointestinal tract diseases are in eighth the place among the causes of disability certificates in Lublin. The main cause of disability are musculoskeletal diseases. More effective screening programs are necessary to prevent avoidable disability due to gastrointestinal diseases. Keywords: gastrointestinal tract diseases, disability, disability certificate.