Socioeconomic effects of acute diarrhoea in adults.

Epidemiological features and socioeconomic importance of acute diarrhoea in adults were studied in a prospective investigation of 309 patients and 240 controls in the city of Malmö, Sweden. Data from a national survey of 6,000 individuals interviewed for gastrointestinal and other symptoms were included. The age group 20-35 years constituted half of the patients. Although 41% of all patients were travellers--and travelling is more common in young people--the age distribution was not due to travelling habits alone. A relative risk of attracting diarrhoea abroad in different geographical regions is indicated, tropical Africa and Romania having the highest risk factors. The community costs of diarrhoea depend much more on production loss by the affliction of young people than direct costs for medical care. Preventive measures would be economically rewarding.