Age, alcohol, sex, and metabolic factors as risk factors for colonic diverticulosis

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of colonic diverticulosis is not well understood. Moreover, only a few studies on colonic diverticulosis have been reported in mainland China. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for asymptomatic colorectal diverticulosis in Eastern China. METHODS: From August 2016 to July 2020, 6180 asymptomatic individuals were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. These individuals had undergone physical examinations, laboratory testing, and colonoscopy. Data regarding the baseline characteristics and their general health status were obtained through interviews. RESULTS: The prevalence of colonic diverticulosis was 7.3% (449/6180). Colonic diverticulosis was detected predominantly on the right side of the colon (88.4%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that an age ≥ 60 years (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.149, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.511-3.057, P < 0.001), male sex (adjusted OR: 1.878, 95%CI: 1.373-2.568, P < 0.001), obesity (adjusted OR: 1.446, 95%CI: 1.100-1.902, P = 0.008), alcohol intake (adjusted OR: 1.518, 95%CI: 1.213-1.901, P < 0.001), hypertension (adjusted OR: 1.454, 95%CI: 1.181-1.789, P < 0.001), hypertriglyceridemia (adjusted OR: 1.287, 95%CI: 1.032-1.607, P = 0.025), and hyperuricemia (adjusted OR: 1.570, 95%CI: 1.257-1.961, P < 0.001) significantly increased the risk of colonic diverticulosis. CONCLUSION: Advanced age, male sex, alcohol intake, obesity, and other metabolic-related factors, such as hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperuricemia, were independent risk factors for colonic diverticulosis. Understanding the true prevalence of colonic diverticulosis and its associated risk factors will aid in its prevention and treatment.