Evaluation of the association between specific risk factors and upper gastrointestinal endoscopic findings in combat veterans

Introduction. Interest in upper gastrointestinal diseases among combat veterans is due to their high prevalence.

The aim to evaluate the strength of the association between risk factors involved in the development of upper gastrointestinal pathology and esophagogastroduodenoscopy results in combat veterans in the context of developing a program for their prevention and early diagnosis.

Materials and methods. Fifty-five respondents were examined, including officers (n=22) (study group) and contract service members (n=33) (control group). The average age of officers was 42±7.3, while that of contract service members was 38.7±7.1. Respondents underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy to determine Helicobacter pylori. A questionnaire was administered on 28 risk factors. The association between risk factors and endoscopic changes was assessed using rank correlations using the Tau-Kendall coefficient (τ) for each anatomical region. MedCalc^® Statistical Software version 22.009 (MedCalc Software Ltd, Ostend, Belgium; https://www.medcalc.org; 2023) was used for data analysis.

Results. The study demonstrates that for career officers, the most pronounced association is between occupational factors and upper gastrointestinal lesions, while in the contract service group, the emphasis shifts to lifestyle and dietary factors. Nutritional risk factors were found to play a dominant role in duodenal bulb lesions, consistent with current understanding of the impact of dysbiosis and metabolic disorders on the duodenal mucosa. Regular screening for Hp infection and monitoring of medication load (NSAIDs and anticoagulants) remain universal.

Conclusions. A differentiated approach to gastrointestinal disease prevention is needed for different groups of military personnel. Career officers require special attention to occupational risk factors, while contract service members should pay particular attention to their diet and daily habits.

Further study of specific risk factors is needed for inclusion in individualized programs for the early diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal diseases.

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