Regional Characteristics of Medical and Demographic Indicators of the Population of the Belgorod Region Based on the Example of Digestive Diseases, 2000–2017

Abstract

Introduction. In 1990–2017, the size of population in the Belgorod Region increased by 10.9 % only as a result migration. Negative medical and demographic trends characterized by population decline caused by a decreased birth rate, increased mortality and disease incidence rates, and population aging were registered at that time. The level of primary disability due to digestive diseases dropped significantly; yet, young and middle-aged people and disability grades II and III began to prevail among primary disability cases. Our objective was to study regional characteristics of the medical and demographic situation in the Belgorod Region from the point of view of medical and social expert examination. Materials and methods. We analyzed data of the Federal Service for State Statistics (Rosstat) and its Belgorod Department (Belgorodstat), and the database of the unified automated vertically integrated information and analytical system (EAVIIAS) of medical and social expertise for persons with primary disability caused by digestive disorders in the Belgorod Region in 2000–2017. We processed anonymized computerized data entered by the bureau’s medical staff. Ethical and legal principles were not violated when working with medical records. The study was carried out by a continuous method. We applied analytical, analytical graphics, and statistical (t-test, z-test, F-test) methods to data collection and processing. Digital data were processed using an IBM PC IntelCore i5-2500K and Stat Soft Statistica 12.5 software package. Results. Despite the population growth resulting from migration, we observed worsening of regional medical and demographic indices in 2010–2017. Although the incidence rates of all diseases of the digestive system decreased, the rates of incidence and mortality from diseases of the pancreas and liver rose significantly. The average age at death from diseases of the pancreas and liver indicated premature mortality. In the structure of primary disability caused by digestive disorders, diseases of the liver and pancreas ranked highest. Conclusion. Population decline, rising digestive disease and related mortality rates dictate the need for in-depth study and practical solution of the problems of health improvement, disease prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of patients and individuals with disability due to this pathology in order to reduce premature mortality and improve the demographic situation in the region.