THE EPIDEMIOLOGY AND SPECTRUM OF ENDOSCOPIC FINDINGS IN PATIENTS REFERRED FOR COLONOSCOPY IN NAMIBIA DURING 2021-2023 youseffy@hotmail.com

411-07

THE EPIDEMIOLOGY AND SPECTRUM OF ENDOSCOPIC FINDINGS IN PATIENTS REFERRED FOR COLONOSCOPY IN NAMIBIA DURING 2021-2023

4

 

 

 

 

Namibia

Oral or Poster

Colonoscopy remains a crucial diagnostic and therapeutic procedure for lower gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. In Namibia, where data on colonic pathologies is scarce, this study investigates the spectrum of endoscopic findings among patients undergoing colonoscopy in both public and private healthcare sectors.

This retrospective descriptive study analyzed 1,268 colonoscopy records from 2021 to 2023, retrieved from public and private pathology services. Data collected included age, gender, location, and histopathological findings. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using Microsoft Excel, with results represented via tables and figures.

Patients were predominantly over 55 years, with a near-equal gender distribution. Private sector cases showed higher rates of benign findings, such as mixed polyps (15.9%), hyperplastic polyps (16.3%), and normal mucosa (17.7%). Conversely, the public sector had higher incidences of serious pathologies like adenocarcinomas (23.4%), ulcerative colitis (3.7%), and Hirschsprung disease (4.9%). Adenocarcinomas were most commonly found in the rectum (23%) and sigmoid colon (11.5%). Colitis and polyps were more prevalent in older age groups.

Colonic pathologies in Namibia are more frequent among those aged >55, with significant differences between public and private healthcare findings. Limited screening in the public sector may delay diagnosis, leading to more advanced disease presentations. These results emphasize the need for improved screening programs, early referral guidelines, and expanded access to colonoscopy services in the public sector.