Epidemiology

The prevalence of colonic diverticular disease increases with age, affecting around 25% of adults ages 40-49 years, approximately 35% at 50-59 years of age, approximately 50% in those ages 60-69 years, 65% in those ages 70-79 years, and around 70% in adults over 80 years of age.[11]​ In addition, there has been a rising incidence of diverticular disease among patients younger than 45 years old.​[12]

In younger patients below the age of 80 there is a slightly lower prevalence of diverticulosis in women than in men; over age 80 there is no sex difference in risk.​[9][11]​​​​ Changes in race-related incidence of diverticular disease have also been observed. One systematic review found a threefold increase in the prevalence rate of colonic diverticulosis in Africa.[13]

In the US from 2000 to 2007 the incidence of colonic diverticulitis was 209 adults per 100,000 person-years.[2]​ In a study of US patients (inpatient and outpatient) with diverticulitis, the incidence of diverticulitis was found to have increased by 50% from 2000-07 compared with 1990-99.[2] This trend was similar in men and women, and was most significant in adults ages 30-49 years.[2] Hospital admissions for diverticulitis have also increased over this time, but there was no observed increase in the incidence of complicated diverticulitis.[2]

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