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. 2021 Jan 25;62(2):99–108. doi: 10.3349/ymj.2021.62.2.99

Incidence and Prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease across Asia

Jihye Park 1,2, Jae Hee Cheon 1,2,3,✉
PMCID: PMC7859683  PMID: 33527789

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), are chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract caused by interactions between genetic, environmental, immunological, and microbial factors. While the incidence and prevalence of IBD in Asian populations were relatively lower than those in Western countries, they appear to be gradually increasing. A Westernized diet, high socioeconomic status, improvement of hygiene, and development of vaccination could affect the increases in IBD incidence and prevalence in Asian countries. This review describes the latest trends in the incidence and prevalence of IBD in Asia. Studying the epidemiology of IBD in Asia may unravel the etiopathogenesis of and risk factors for IBD.

Keywords: Inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, incidence, prevalence

INTRODUCTION

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), are chronic idiopathic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. In the last 20th century, IBD was regarded as a Western disease in North America and Europe, not in South America, Eastern Europe, Asia, or Africa. However, the incidence and prevalence of IBD have been increased globally in the 21st century.1 Although still lower than that in Western countries, cases of IBD in Asia are rising.2,3,4,5,6 Research has shown that genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers can modulate immunologic responses and that microbial composition in the gut can contribute to increases in IBD development.7 The increased disease burden of IBD in Asia could be associated with changes in environmental factors, such as improvement in hygiene, socioeconomic status changes, and Westernized diets. We will describe the latest trends in the incidence and prevalence of IBD in Asia.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL RESEARCH METHODS

Cross-sectional and cohort studies have been performed to investigate the epidemiology of IBD. Therein, the selection of study groups is important to minimize selection bias. Although a hospital-based study could minimize the recall of information, the study population may not be representative of the true population. To overcome generalizability, a population-based study can be performed to minimize heterogeneity. This approach may better represent a particular geographic area and reflect important information about the population-based characteristics of IBD: this can be valuable because a population of IBD patients in a given geographic area could present a unique disease phenotype. However, it can be difficult to accurately identify case groups among the entire population, and doing so may require tremendous effort and cost. Meanwhile, big data studies using nationwide or state wide databases could inform the epidemiology of IBD for an entire population, whether that be a single nation or worldwide. Big data studies, however, are limited to retrospective population studies, which are not available to obtain detailed information about disease courses or medications.

Recent epidemiological studies have demonstrated rising disease burden for IBD in developing countries, including Asia countries. Since individual epidemiological studies have their own strengths and limitations, it is necessary to select an appropriate method with which to interpret them according to the subject and purpose of the study. In this review, we will cover previous epidemiologic studies of IBD in Asia, including hospital-based, population-based, and big data-based studies.

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF IBD IN ASIAN MIGRANTS

Research evaluating changes in IBD epidemiology between first- and second-generation immigrants has highlighted the importance of environmental factors affecting the development of IBD. The research on IBD epidemiology in asian migrants is summarized in Table 1. The first study on the impact of migration on IBD focused on Bangladeshi immigrants who settled in Tower Hamlets, East London. The incidence of UC among Bangladeshi residents in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets from 1972 to 1989 was very low (1.8 cases/105/year).8 The incidence of UC among Bangladeshi residents in Tower Hamlets increased from 2.4 cases/105/year in 1981–1989 to 8.2 cases/105/year in 1997–2001.9 The incidence of CD among Bangladeshis residents in Tower Hamlets also increased gradually throughout the 1970s (1.2 cases/105/year), 1980s (2.3 cases/105/year), and 1990s (7.3 cases/105/year).9,10 Bangladeshis immigrants had a higher incidence of IBD than the local population, thus supporting the significant role of environmental factors in the development of IBD.

Table 1. Incidence and Prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in Asian Migrants to Western Countries.

Author Ethnic group Region of residence Study method Dates Ulcerative colitis Crohn's disease
Incidence (cases/105 person-years) Prevalence (cases/105persons) Incidence (cases/105person-years) Prevalence (cases/105persons)
Jayanthi, et al. 19928 Bangladeshi Tower Hamlet, London, England Data from a regional hospital 1972–1989 1.8
Probert, et al. 199210 South Asians (Hindus, Sikhs, Moslems) Leicestershire, England Community-based survey 1989 135 33
Probert, et al. 199312 Bangladeshi Tower Hamlet, London, England Data from a regional hospital 1972–1989 1.2 (1970s)
2.3 (1980s)
Carr and Mayberry 199911 South Asians Leicester, England Community-based survey 1991–1994 17.2
Tsironi, et al. 20049 Bangladeshi Tower Hamlet, London, England Data from a regional hospital 1997–2001 2.4 (1980s)
8.2 (1997–2001)		 2.3 (1980s)
7.3 (1997–2001)
Benchimol, et al. 201516 East Asians, Central Asians, South Asians Ontario, Canada Nationwide registration system 1994–2009 4.2 (all)
2.0 (children)		 2.7 (all)
2.0 (children)
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Another study related to South Asian migrants addressed Indian, Gujarati or Punjabi, immigrants who settled in Leicester city. The incidence of UC in the South Asian community in Leicester city was high from 1991 to 1994, even higher than that in the European community (17.2 cases/105/year vs. 7.0 cases/105/year, respectively).11 The prevalence of UC in the South Asian community in Leicester city was also higher than that in Europeans (135 cases/105/year vs. 90.8 cases/105/year, respectively).12 The risk of UC in this particular community was even higher than that for individuals of European descent living in the same area, suggesting that the pattern of UC followed an indigenous population after only one generation. Meanwhile, a recent study revealed three novel human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-independent single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for UC in the north Indian population,13 support the notion that the genetic background in a certain ethnic group can contribute to the development of IBD. In a recent epidemiologic study in 2016, the incidence of UC in an Indian group was higher (20.5 cases/105/year) than that in a Pakistani group (11.2 cases/105/year) and white European group (7.5 cases/105/year) in the multi-ethic United Kingdom, although the study population was predominantly born in the United Kingdom.14 Interestingly, the prevalence of CD in the same South Asian community in Leicester city was lower than that in Europeans (33.2 cases/105/year vs. 75.8 cases/105/year, respectively).12 Indeed, research supports a difference between UC and CD epidemiology in immigrants: early life dysbiosis events, such as caesarean section, increased hygiene, and repeated antibiotics, are related to the risk of CD, whereas late dysbiosis events are related to the risk of UC.15 Further studies of intestinal microbiota and environmental factors will be needed to confirm this hypothesis. In summary, north Indian migrants in Leister city face a higher risk of UC, but not CD, compared to European descents. Further studies investigating the interplay among several factors, including intestinal microbiota, diet, and other environmental causes, may be crucial to explain this.

Canada also has a large South Asian population. The incidence of IBD of immigrants in Ontario, Canada was lower than that of nonimmigrants from 1994 to 2009 (7.3 cases/105/year vs. 23.9 cases/105/year).16 Younger age at immigration increased the risk of IBD immigrants. Also, children of immigrants from the Middle East/North Africa, South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and North America/Western Europe had a similar risk of IBD as children of nonimmigrants; however, the incidence remained lower among children of immigrants from other regions. The early exposure to high risk environment with specific genetic background could increase the risk IBD.

All of these results support the role of environmental factors in IBD development. Immigration could alter the gut microbiome composition. It is known that changes in diet have the greatest effect on changes in the composition of intestinal microbes. The microbiome of Thailand immigrants who settled in the United States experience a loss of gut microbiome diversity and shifts from Prevotella dominance to Bacteroides dominance.17 Immigration-related microbiome changes started upon arrival to the United States and increased with a longer duration of residence in the United States and across generations. Future research should focus on identifying and modifying environmental risk factors to reduce the risk of IBD.

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF IBD IN INDIGENOUS ASIANS

East Asia

The research on IBD epidemiology in indigenous asian is summarized in Table 2. In Japan, the prevalence rates of UC and CD in the nationwide registration system were 7.85 cases/105/year and 1.86 cases/105/year, respectively, in 1985.18 The incidence rate of UC was very low in 1990 (0.36–0.40 cases/105/year).19 The prevalence rates of UC and CD in a survey of nationwide hospitals were also low in 1991 (18.1 cases/105/year and 5.9/105/year, respectively).20 The prevalence rates of UC and CD in the nationwide registration system in Japan increased by 2005 (63.6 cases/105/year and 21.2/105/year, respectively).21 In a recent study using the same method as the previous study in 1991, the prevalence rates of UC and CD markedly increased in 2014 (172.9 cases/105/year and 55.6/105/year, respectively).22 Based on information provided on the website for the Japan Intractable Diseases Information Center, 143733 and 170781 patients were diagnosed with UC in 2014 and 2016, respectively. For CD, 36418 and 40855 patients were diagnosed in 2014 and 2016 respectively. Japan has the highest incidence and prevalence rates of IBD in East Asia.

Table 2. Incidence and Prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in Indigenous Asians.

Author Ethnic group Study method Dates Ulcerative colitis Crohn's disease
Incidence (cases/105 person-years) Prevalence (cases/105 persons) Incidence (cases/105 person-years) Prevalence (cases/105 persons)
Higashi, et al. 198818 Japanese Nationwide registration system 1985 7.85 1.86
Yoshida and Murate 199019 Japanese 0.36–0.40
Morita, et al. 199520 Japanese Survey of nationwide hospitals 1991 1.95 18.1 0.51 5.9
Asakura, et al. 200921 Japanese Nationwide registration system 2005 63.6 21.2
Murakami, et al. 201922 Japanese Survey of nationwide hospitals 2014 172.9 55.6
Okabayashi, et al. 202070 Japanese Survey of nationwide hospitals 2014 12.2 133.2 2.0 31.9
Yang, et al. 200023 Koreans Data from all medical facilities within a well-defined district 1986–1997 0.20 (1986–1988) 7.57 (1997)
1.23 (1995–1997)
Yang, et al. 200824 Koreans Data from all medical facilities within a well-defined district 1986–2005 3.08 (2001–2005) 30.87 (2005) 0.05 (1986–1990)
1.34 (2001–2005)
Kim, et al. 201526 Koreans Nationwide registration system 2006–2012 4.6 3.2
Jung, et al. 201727 Koreans Nationwide registration system 2011–2014 5.0 2.8
Kwak, et al. 201928 Koreans Nationwide registration system 2010–2016 41.4 (2009) 16.0 (2009)
66.0 (2016) 29.6 (2016)
Park, et al. 201925 Koreans Data from all medical facilities within a well-defined district 1986–2015 0.29 (1986–1999) 76.66 (2015) 0.06 (1986–1999)
5.82 (2011–2015) 2.44 (2011–2015)
Leong, et al. 200432 Hong Kong Chinese Data from a regional hospital in a well-defined catchment area 1990–2001 0.4 (1990–1992)
1.0 (1999–2001)
Lok, et al. 200733 Hong Kong Chinese Data from a regional hospital in a well-defined catchment area 1997–2006 0.34 (1997) 2.26 (1997)
0.37 (2006) 6.3 (2006)
Lok, et al. 200733 Hong Kong Chinese Data from a regional hospital in a well-defined catchment area 1991–2006 0.12 (1991) 0.49 (1991)
0.25 (2006) 2.7 (2006)
Chow, et al. 200930 Hong Kong Chinese Data from a regional hospital in a well-defined catchment area 1985–2006 26.5 (2006)
Ng, et al. 201631 Hong Kong Chinese Nationwide registration system 1981–2014 0.09 (1985) 0.49 (1985–1989) 0.01 (1985) 0.05 (1985–1989)
1.51 (2014) 21.14 (2011–2014) 1.46 (2014) 14.17 (2011–2014)
Ng, et al. 201334 Hong Kong Prospective, population-based study of eight countries across Asia and Australia 2011–2012 1.66 1.31
Mainland China 0.42–2.22 0.07–1.22
Macau 1.00 1.00
Malaysia 0.59 0.24
Singapore 0.61 0.40
Sri Lanka 0.95 0.59
Thailand 0.28–0.36 0.30–0.35
Chen, et al. 201336 Taiwan 1998–2008 0.37 (1998)
0.78 (2008)
Wei, et al. 201335 Taiwan 0.61 (1998) 0.61 (1998) 0.19 (1998) 0.19 (2998)
0.94 (2008) 7.62 (2008) 0.24 (2008) 1.78 (2008)
Yen, et al. 201937 Taiwan Nationwide registration system 2001–2015 2.1 (2001) 2.1 (2001) 0.17 (2001) 0.6 (2001)
0.95 (2015) 12.8 (2015) 0.47 (2015) 3.9 (2015)
Lee, et al. 200038 Singapore Hospital-based cohort 1985–1996 6 (Chinese) 4 (Chinese)
7 (Malay) 2.9 (Malay)
16.2 (Indian) 4.9 (Indian)
Hilmi, et al. 201539 Malaysia Prospective, population-based study 2011–2013 0.46 6.67 2.17 0.20
Permpoon, et al. 201640 Thailand Hospital-based cohort 2005–2010 32 (Thai)
29 (Oriental)
47 (African)
0 (Hispanic)
140 (South Asian)
206 (Middle Eastern)
174 (Caucasian)
Permpoon, et al. 201941 Thailand Hospital-based cohort 2005–2010 43.1 (Asian)
286.71 (Middle eastern)
278.66 (Caucasian)
Khosla, et al. 198645 Punjab, India Community survey of a well-defined area 1986 42.8
Sood, et al. 200346 Punjab, India Community survey of a well-defined area 1999–2000 6.02 44.3
Abdul-Baki, et al. 200753 Lebanon Health maintenance organization 2004 4.1 106.2 1.4 53.1
Al-Ghamdi, et al. 200454 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Hospital-based cohort 1983–2002 0.32 (1983–1992)
1.66 (1993–2002)
Mouzan, et al. 201455 Saudi Arabia Regional hospital-based cohort (evaluating all cases within the country) 2003–2012 0.16 (2003–2007) 0.19 (2003–2007)
0.24 (2008–2012) 0.35 (2008–2012)
Al-Nakib, et al. 198456 Kuwait Regional hospital-based cohort (evaluating all cases within the country) 1977–1982 2.27 0.45
Al-Shamali, et al. 200357 Kuwait Regional hospital-based cohort (evaluating all cases within the country) 1985–1999 2.8 41.7
Niv, et al. 199059 The Upper Galilee, Israel Community-based survey 1967–1986 Israeli-born Jews (220.56)
0.88 (1967–1976) Asian-African-born (139.2)
3.79 (1977–1986) European-American-born
kibbutz members (78.73)
Odes, et al. 198760 Jewish population, Beer Sheva district, Israel Community-based survey 1964–1985 5.8
Odes, et al. 198961 Jewish population, Southern Israel Community-based survey 1987 5.4 (1979–1987) 89 2.1 (1979-1987) 30
Shapira, et al. 199864 Kinneret, Israel Community-based survey 1965–1994 3.5 87 (Jewish)
27 (Arab)
Niv, et al. 200062 Kibbutz, Israel Community-based survey 1987–1997 5.0 25.5 (1987)
65.1 (1997)
Niv, et al. 199963 Kibbutz, Israel Community-based survey 1987–1997 5.04 121.0 (1987)
167.2 (1997)
Zvidi, et al. 201365 Kibbutz, Israel Community-based survey 5.2 112.99 (2007)
Zvidi, et al. 201966 Arab residents, Israel Community-based survey 2009 22 32
Zvidi, et al. 201365 Israel health maintenance organization 2003–2008 16.4 (2003, Jews) 127.8 (2003, Jews) 14.3 (2003, Jews) 108.0 (2003, Jews)
4.1 (2003, Arabs) 27.1 (2003, Arabs) 3.1 (2003, Arabs) 22.6 (2003, Arabs)
9.5 (2008, Jews) 192.3 (2008, Jews) 11.7 (2008, Jews) 177.0 (2008, Jews)
5.0 (2008, Arabs) 47.8 (2008, Arabs) 10.6 (2008, Arabs) 55.9 (2008, Arabs)
Zahedi, et al. 201467 Southeast Iran Community-based survey 2000–2001 4.98 0.8
Mansour-Ghanaei, et al. 201568 North Iran Regional hospital-based cohort (evaluating all cases within the country) 2002–2012 2.82 (2009) 0.16 (2009)
5.32 (2012) 0.88 (2012)
Malekzadeh, et al. 201669 Iran Systemic review 1990–2012 2.70 (2012) 35.52 (2012) 0.41 (2012) 5.03 (2012)
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In South Korea, the incidence rate of UC in a particular urban area of Seoul increased over time (0.20 cases/105/year, 1986–1988; 1.23 cases/105/year, 1995–1997; 3.08 cases/105/year, 2001–2005; 5.82 cases/105/year, 2011–2015).23,24,25 The incidence rate of CD in the same district also increased (0.05 cases/105/year, 1986–1990; 1.34 cases/105/year, 2001–2005; 2.44 cases/105/year, 2011–2015).23,25 The incidence rates of UC and CD in a nationwide registration system from 2006 to 2014 were reported at 4.6–5.0 cases/105/year and 2.8–3.2 cases/105/year, respectively.26,27 The prevalence rates of UC (30.87 cases/105/year, 2005; 41.4 cases/105/year, 2009; 66.0 cases/105/year, 2016) and CD (11.24 cases/105/year, 2005; 16.0 cases/105/year, 2009; 29.6 cases/105/year, 2016) in South Korea were also increasing.24,28 The epidemiology of IBD in South Korea is still lower than that in Western countries, but has increased over the past few decades. South Korea has the second highest IBD incidence and prevalence rate in East Asia, and this appears to be strongly associated with improvements in socioeconomic status and accompanying changes in environmental factors.

In Hong-Kong, the incidence rates of UC at a single hospital were reported as 0.34 cases/105/year in 1997 and 0.37 cases/105/year in 2006, indicating no definite increase over time.29 The prevalence rates for UC in the same study were reported at 2.26 cases/105/year in 1997 and 6.3 cases/105/year in 2006. After that study, the incidence rate and prevalence rate of UC were reported at 2.1 cases/105/year in 1997 and 26.5 cases/105/year in 2006, respectively.30 In a recent study of a territory-wide population-based registry, the incidence rate of UC significantly increased with time (0.09 cases/105/year, 1985; 1.51 cases/105/year, 2014).31 The prevalence rate of UC also increased (0.49 cases/105/year, 1985; 21.14 cases/105/year, 2014).31 The incidence (0.4 cases/105/year, 1990–1992; 1.0 cases/105/year, 1999–2001; 1.46 cases/105/year, 2014) and prevalence (0.49 cases/105/year, 1991; 2.7 cases/105/year, 2006; 14.17 cases/105/year, 2011–2014) of CD increased in the Hong Kong Chinese population.31,32,33 The incidence and prevalence of IBD in Hong Kong are lower than those in the West, but comparable to those in other East Asian countries. In a population-based study performed in 2011, the IBD incidence rate for Mainland China was 0.52–3.44 cases/105/year; that for Hong Kong was 3.06 cases/105/year; and that for Macau was 2.20 cases/105/year.34

In Taiwan, the incidence and prevalence rates of IBD were relatively low, comparted to Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.35,36 The incidence (0.97 cases/105/year, 2001–2005; 1.16 cases/105/year, 2006–2010; 1.18 cases/105/year, 2011–2015) and prevalence rates (4.54 cases/105/year, 2001–2005; 9.39 cases/105/year, 2006–2010; 14.40 cases/105/year, 2011–2015) of UC in Taiwan increased steadily from 2001 to 2015.37 The incidence (0.18 cases/105/year, 2001–2005; 0.22 cases/105/year, 2006–2010; 0.39 cases/105/year, 2011–2015) and prevalence rates (0.84 cases/105/year, 2001–2005; 1.71 cases/105/year, 2006–2010; 3.04 cases/105/year, 2011–2015) of CD in Taiwan also increased steadily from 2001 to 2015.37

In Singapore, the majority residents were Chinese (78.7%) in 1990; 12.8% were Malays; and 7.6% were Indians. The prevalence rates of UC and CD in Singapore between 1985 and 1996 were 6.0 cases/105/year and 3.6 cases/105/year, respectively.38 Indians had a 2.9-fold higher risk of UC than Chinese in this study, which further implicated ethnic differences in IBD development.

In the Asia-Pacific Crohn's Colitis Epidemiology Study in 2011, the incidence of UC and CD in Malaysia was 0.59 cases/105/year and 0.24 cases/105/year, respectively.34 In Malaysia, the majority of residents of Kinta Valley from 2011 to 2013 were Chinese (43%); 39% were Malays; and 14% were Indians. The incidence of UC and CD in Malaysia between 2011 and 2013 was 0.46 cases/105/year and 0.2 cases/105/year, respectively.39 The prevalence of UC and CD in Malaysia between 2011 and 2013 was 6.67 cases/105/year and 2.17 cases/105/year, respectively.39 Both incidence and prevalence rates in Indians were higher than those in Chinese and Malays. Although, the incidence and prevalence rates of IBD are low in Malaysia, they have increased over the past two decades.

In Thailand, the incidence of UC and CD was reported at 0.35–0.36 cases/105/year and 0.28–0.30 cases/105/year in the Asia-Pacific Crohn's Colitis Epidemiology Study in 2011. The prevalence of UC and CD in a single institution of Bangkok, Thailand during 2005–2010 was significantly lower in Asian individuals than Middle Eastern and Caucasian individuals.40,41

In summary, the incidence and prevalence rates of IBD in East Asia are lower than those in Western countries, but have steadily increased over time. A north-south gradient, with an increasing trend reported in Northern countries, compared to Southern countries in Europe, could be a global phenomenon.42,43 Environmental factors, such high temperature, latitude, and precipitation, could change microbial compositions and affect the development of IBD.44 There is a hypothesis that summer temperature could be associated with a protective effect against IBD by affecting the richness of microbiome.44 In addition to climate, various other factors, such as dietary habits and socioeconomic status, have also been shown to be associated with the incidence and prevalence of IBD. The epidemiologic studies in Asia, especially in East Asia, have several limitations, mainly due to their hospital-based approach. In addition, some studies were based on small regions. Accordingly, further comprehensive and accurate studies are warranted in East Asian countries.

South Asia

South Asia is comprised of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. There are only two available studies on the incidence and prevalence of IBD in this region, and these were performed in Northern India, not across the whole country. The prevalence rate of UC in Northern India in 1986 was 42.8 cases/105/year.45 The prevalence rate of UC in Northern India in 1999 was 44.3 cases/105/year, and the incidence rate was 6.02 cases/105/year.46 The incidence and prevalence of UC in India are highest among Asia countries, although they are much lower than those in Western countries.47,48 Although there was no study on the incidence and prevalence of CD in India, indirect estimates of CD burden have risen over the years.49,50 Recently, Kedia and Ahuja51 predicted that the overall disease burden was highest in India among six countries in Asia, North America, and Europe. Infectious diseases, including intestinal tuberculosis, remain endemic in India, and there are many other infectious mimics of IBD that can lead to misdiagnosis and diagnostic delay in India.49 However, there are many efforts to improve awareness about IBD and to improve access to medical services to differentiate acute infectious colitis from IBD.52 Nevertheless, more than 300000 Indians are estimated to have CD, and 1.1 million people have UC in India. Because of the large population of India, with more than 120 million, the total IBD burden of India could be highest in the world. Because research in South Asia is very scarce, epidemiologic studies are needed. Since Indians are ethnically included as Europeans, similar incidence and prevalence rates could be possible; however, it seems that incidence and prevalence rates are still lower due to differences in climate, hygiene, and food intake.

West Asia

In Lebanon, the incidence rates of UC and CD were reported at 4.1 cases/105/year and 1.4 cases/105/year, respectively, on a cohort based on university-based healthy program from 2000 to 2004.53 In Saudi Arabia, the incidence of CD at a university hospital in Riyadh increased gradually through the 1980s (0.32 cases/105/year) and 1990s (1.66 cases/105/year).54 In a multicenter study of Saudi Arabian children, the incidence rate of UC increased gradually from 2003–2007 (0.16 cases/105/year) to 2008–2012 (0.24 cases/105/year).55 The incidence of CD also increased from 2003–2007 (0.19 cases/105/year) to 2008–2012 (0.35 cases/105/year).55 In Kuwait, the incidence of UC and CD were reported to be 2.27 cases/105/year and 0.45 cases/105/year, respectively, from 1977–1982.56 The incidence of UC in Kuwait increased from 1985 to 1990 (2.8 cases/105/year).57 In Oman, the incidence rate of UC was 1.35 cases/105/year in 1980s.58 In summary, the incidence and prevalence of IBD in Arab countries appear to be relatively low, although there is an increasing trend.

In Israel, the incidence of UC and CD in the Jewish population was reported at 3.79–5.8 cases/105/year and 2.1–5.2 cases/105/year, respectively, in the 1980s and 1990s.59,60,61,62,63,64 The incidence and prevalence of IBD in the Jewish population also increased in Israel.59,62,63 Interestingly, the prevalence of IBD in the Israel Arab population, who represent 20% of the total population, was lower than that in the Israel Jewish population.59,65 The incidence and prevalence of IBD in an Arab population were lower than those in an Jewish population from 2003 to 2008, although there has been a rapid increase in CD in the Arab population.66 Also, the incidence and prevalence of IBD in the Arab population in Israel are relatively higher than those in other Arab countries.66 Various environmental factors, ethnic factors, and microbial factors might affect these epidemiologic shifts in these areas.

In Iran, the incidence of UC and CD were reported at 2.70–5.32 cases/105/year and 0.16–0.88 cases/105/year, respectively, in 1990–2012.67,68,69 An epidemiologic study in Iran, a rapidly developing Middle Eastern country, demonstrated a rapid increase in IBD in parallel with other developing countries. From an ethnic point of view, West Asian populations are similar to the European population, compared to East Asian populations. Therefore, the incidence and prevalence in West Asia could increase in the future.

In summary, the incidence and prevalence of IBD in East, South, and West Asia remain lower than those in Western countries, including America, Europe, and Australia. Nevertheless, the overall incidence and prevalence of IBD have consistently increased. Among Asian countries, India has had a higher incidence rate than other countries. The incidence and prevalence of IBD in Asia countries during the 21st century stratified from low to high (per 1000000) are presented in Fig. 1. Immigrant studies support the role of environmental factors in IBD development. Also, studies comparing various population groups support the contribution of ethnic factors to the development of IBD. From epidemiologic studies, we could deduce that various factors, including geographic factors, ethnic factors, and environmental factors, may be simultaneously associated with the pathogenesis of IBD.

Fig. 1. Incidence and prevalence rate of inflammatory bowel disease in Asian countries. (A) Incidence rate (per 100000 population) and (B) prevalence rate (per 100000 population) of ulcerative colitis in the 21st century. (C) Incidence rate (per 100000 population) and (D) prevalence rate (per 100000 population) of Crohn's disease in the 21st century. The gray zone reflects the absence of data.

Fig. 1

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CONCLUSIONS

Epidemiologic studies of IBD have been conducted in Asian countries, and the incidence and prevalence of IBD in Asia have increased over time. Asia, as a continent, has the most IBD patients in the world, and the observed increase in IBD among Asian countries is likely associated with environmental factors related to IBD pathogenesis, since genetic factors would not change over only a few decades. Studying the epidemiology of IBD in Asia may unravel the etiopathogenesis and risk factors for IBD. Also, research intro genetic susceptibility and ethnic differences may provide insights into possible genetic etiological factors for IBD. Continued research and collection of incidence and prevalence data are warranted. Also, a large scale study through which Asian countries collaborate together to conduct comprehensive epidemiological and genetic studies could prove beneficial.

Footnotes

The authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.

AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS:
  • Conceptualization: Jae Hee Cheon.
  • Data curation: Jihye Park.
  • Supervision: Jae Hee Cheon.
  • Visualization: Jihye Park.
  • Writing—original draft: Jihye Park.
  • Writing—review & editing: Jae Hee Cheon.
  • Approval of final manuscript: all authors.

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