Data for incidence and prevalence of gastritis are difficult to measure as many cases may be acute or transient, but prevalence of some subtypes of gastritis has been described. Dyspeptic symptoms are reported in 10% to 20% of patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), although the prevalence may range from 5% to 50%.[17]Larkai EN, Smith JL, Lidsky MD, et al. Gastroduodenal mucosa and dyspeptic symptoms in arthritic patients during chronic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use. Am J Gastroenterol. 1987 Nov;82(11):1153-8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3499815?tool=bestpractice.com
[18]Singh G, Ramey DR, Morfeld D, et al. Gastrointestinal tract complications of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatment in rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective observational cohort study. Arch Intern Med. 1996 Jul 22;156(14):1530-6.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8687261?tool=bestpractice.com
In the US, dyspeptic symptoms affect up to 25% of the population; non-ulcer dyspepsia (including gastritis) contributes to the diagnosis in about 50% of patients referred for upper endoscopy.[19]El-Serag HB, Talley NJ. Systemic review: the prevalence and clinical course of functional dyspepsia. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2004;19:643-654.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2036.2004.01897.x/full
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15023166?tool=bestpractice.com
The prevalence of autoimmune gastritis has been reported to range from 0.1% to 2%, with a higher prevalence noted in women and people aged 60 years and older.[20]Rustgi SD, Bijlani P, Shah SC. Autoimmune gastritis, with or without pernicious anemia: epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical management. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2021 Aug 31;14:17562848211038771.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8414617
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34484423?tool=bestpractice.com
North European or Scandinavian ancestry is a recognised risk factor for autoimmune gastritis.[9]Kekki M, Siurala M, Varis K, et al. Classification principles and genetics of chronic gastritis. Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl. 1987;141:1-28.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3481655?tool=bestpractice.com
Non-white individuals may have an earlier onset of autoimmune gastritis compared with white individuals.[20]Rustgi SD, Bijlani P, Shah SC. Autoimmune gastritis, with or without pernicious anemia: epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical management. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2021 Aug 31;14:17562848211038771.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8414617
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34484423?tool=bestpractice.com
The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection is higher in developing countries and is impacted by a multitude of factors, including geography, age, strain virulence, environmental factors, and socioeconomic status.[21]World Gastroenterology Organisation. World Gastroenterology Organisation global guidelines: Helicobacter pylori. May 2021 [internet publication].
https://www.worldgastroenterology.org/guidelines/helicobacter-pylori/helicobacter-pylori-english
[22]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC yellow book 2026: health information for international travel. Section 4: travel-associated infections and diseases. Apr 2025 [internet publication].
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/infections-diseases/helicobacter-pylori
A global decline in H pylori infections has been reported by one meta-analysis.[23]Li Y, Choi H, Leung K, et al. Global prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection between 1980 and 2022: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2023 Jun;8(6):553-64.
https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S2468-1253(23)00070-5
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/37086739?tool=bestpractice.com
In North America, although the occurrence of H pylori has subsided over time, the infection prevalence is still 30% to 40%.[3]Chey WD, Howden CW, Moss SF, et al. ACG clinical guideline: treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection. Am J Gastroenterol. 2024 Sep 1;119(9):1730-53.
https://journals.lww.com/ajg/fulltext/2024/09000/acg_clinical_guideline__treatment_of_helicobacter.13.aspx
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39626064?tool=bestpractice.com
Non-white races and ethnicities, those living in poor sanitary conditions, and immigrants from endemic countries are more frequently affected.[3]Chey WD, Howden CW, Moss SF, et al. ACG clinical guideline: treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection. Am J Gastroenterol. 2024 Sep 1;119(9):1730-53.
https://journals.lww.com/ajg/fulltext/2024/09000/acg_clinical_guideline__treatment_of_helicobacter.13.aspx
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39626064?tool=bestpractice.com