Clinical and Epidemiological Features of Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Diseases in Military Personnel of the North Caucasus District of the Rosguardia: An Observational Cohort Study

Upper gastrointestinal diseases currently occupy a significant place in gastroenterological practice. The figures cited in the literature do not reflect the prevalence of these diseases among military personnel in the North Caucasus District of the Russian Guard. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of upper gastrointestinal diseases, using peptic ulcers and gastritis as examples, in military personnel in the North Caucasus District of the Russian Guard and to assess their clinical course depending on their combat experience. Materials and Methods: The prevalence of peptic ulcers and gastritis was assessed using annual reports from the North Caucasus District of the Russian Guard for the period from 2018 to 2023. The clinical characteristics of these diseases were analyzed in 142 military personnel based on their participation in special military operations from 2022 to 2023. Disease prevalence trends were assessed using proportions based on medical reports. Categorical variables (disease prevalence) are presented as absolute numbers and percentages. The chi-square test was used to compare the frequencies of nosological entities between groups. The results showed an increased incidence of peptic ulcers and gastritis among military personnel in the North Caucasus Military District. The pattern of morbidity among military personnel in the district varied depending on their combat experience. Among military personnel involved in combat, acute ulcers (18% of 44) and exacerbations of gastric and duodenal ulcers (86% of 44) were the most common, with complicated ulcers (9% of 44). In the group not involved in combat, uncomplicated duodenal ulcers were more common (53.1% of 98). Chronic gastritis was diagnosed in both groups, but with a higher frequency in the combat group (50% of 44). Furthermore, combat veterans were found to have nonspecific complaints, a latent and frequently recurring course of both peptic ulcer disease and gastritis. Conclusion. A study of clinical and epidemiological trends in peptic ulcers and gastritis among service members of the North Caucasus District of the Russian National Guard participating in a special military operation demonstrates a high prevalence of these diseases with nonspecific clinical manifestations, a latent course, and frequent recurrences. This indicates the low effectiveness of existing preventive measures and highlights the need for their modernization.