Pattern and distribution of colorectal diverticulosis: A cross-sectional study in Southern China

Background Colorectal diverticulosis (CD) is easy to ignore in China for its low morbidity compared to western countries. However, the incidence of CD is rising in China, which might relate to the aging population and gradual westernization of lifestyle. Our study aims to determine the incidence, location, and sex differences associated with CD. Methods Patients who underwent colonoscopy at Nanchang University's first affiliation hospital between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2023 were analyzed. All CD encountered during the procedure was evaluated and documented. The distribution of CD was classified as left-sided and/or right-sided. The associations between CD and participant characteristics were analyzed using logistic regression. Results A total of 56308 eligible patients from our endoscopy database were included. 2954 individuals (5.25%) were identified with CD. Patients with CD had a mean age of 53.2 years old and were notably older, with a higher proportion of males compared to those without CD. Females were significantly more susceptible than males of the same age to have CD after the age of 70 (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.02–1.79). The number of patients with right-sided and left-sided CD ranged from 2772 (4.92%) to 318 (0.56%). Conclusion In Southern China, CD most frequently affects the right side and is more common in old males. Women over 70 years of age are more prone to developing CD. Patients with left-sided CD generally tend to be older than those with right-sided CD.