Impact of the economic sanctions on duodenal ulcer in Iraq

Abstract

Cases of duodenal ulcer admitted to Basra General Hospital for a one-year period prior to economic sanctions were compared with cases admitted in a one-year period during sanctions. The number of patients, age ranges, risk factors, complications, diagnosis, treatment and mortality rates were compared. The number of cases more than doubled during the period of sanctions. There was a significant increase in smoking among duodenal ulcer patients during sanctions. Other differences between the two periods were observed and reasons for these differences are discussed