Burden of Digestive Diseases in Ethiopia, 1990–2023: Findings from the 2023 Global Burden of Disease Study
1
Health system research directorate, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Digestive diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with disproportionate impacts in low- and middle-income countries. This study estimated the prevalence, DALYs, deaths, and trends of digestive diseases in Ethiopia from 1990 to 2023 using GBD 2023 data.
METHODS:
Using GBD 2023 estimates, we quantified the national and subnational burden of digestive diseases, focusing on the ten leading causes ranked by prevalence, DALYs, and mortality. Data were analyzed across Ethiopia’s 12 regions and two city administrations, drawing on censuses, surveys, and health registries. All indicators were age-standardized. We calculated cause-specific mortality rates and examined annual changes and percentage variations from 1990 to 2023 to identify trends and opportunities for improved prevention and management.
RESULTS:
In 2023, the age-standardized prevalence of all digestive diseases in Ethiopia was 27,070 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 25,756–28,543). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (including cirrhosis), chronic hepatitis B, and chronic hepatitis C (including cirrhosis) were the most prevalent conditions. The national age-standardized DALY rate was 2,277 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 1,736–2,873), primarily driven by peptic ulcer disease, chronic hepatitis B, and chronic hepatitis C. The age-standardized mortality rate was 67 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 48–86), with notable regional disparities: Afar had the highest mortality rate (89 per 100,000; 95% UI: 65–118), while Dire Dawa had the lowest (56 per 100,000; 95% UI: 40–77). Males consistently experienced higher DALY and mortality rates across all age groups. From 1990 to 2023, Ethiopia achieved reductions of 41% in DALYs and 36% in mortality.
CONCLUSIONS:
Although Ethiopia has made substantial progress in reducing the burden of digestive diseases, significant regional and gender disparities persist. Strengthened hepatitis prevention and treatment, targeted regional interventions, and integrated strategies addressing metabolic risks are essential to sustain gains and reduce future burden
Digestive diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with disproportionate impacts in low- and middle-income countries. This study estimated the prevalence, DALYs, deaths, and trends of digestive diseases in Ethiopia from 1990 to 2023 using GBD 2023 data.
METHODS:
Using GBD 2023 estimates, we quantified the national and subnational burden of digestive diseases, focusing on the ten leading causes ranked by prevalence, DALYs, and mortality. Data were analyzed across Ethiopia’s 12 regions and two city administrations, drawing on censuses, surveys, and health registries. All indicators were age-standardized. We calculated cause-specific mortality rates and examined annual changes and percentage variations from 1990 to 2023 to identify trends and opportunities for improved prevention and management.
RESULTS:
In 2023, the age-standardized prevalence of all digestive diseases in Ethiopia was 27,070 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 25,756–28,543). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (including cirrhosis), chronic hepatitis B, and chronic hepatitis C (including cirrhosis) were the most prevalent conditions. The national age-standardized DALY rate was 2,277 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 1,736–2,873), primarily driven by peptic ulcer disease, chronic hepatitis B, and chronic hepatitis C. The age-standardized mortality rate was 67 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 48–86), with notable regional disparities: Afar had the highest mortality rate (89 per 100,000; 95% UI: 65–118), while Dire Dawa had the lowest (56 per 100,000; 95% UI: 40–77). Males consistently experienced higher DALY and mortality rates across all age groups. From 1990 to 2023, Ethiopia achieved reductions of 41% in DALYs and 36% in mortality.
CONCLUSIONS:
Although Ethiopia has made substantial progress in reducing the burden of digestive diseases, significant regional and gender disparities persist. Strengthened hepatitis prevention and treatment, targeted regional interventions, and integrated strategies addressing metabolic risks are essential to sustain gains and reduce future burden
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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