Diverticular disease in Africans: myth or fact?

Abstract

Diverticulosis coli is an acquired colon disease where small outpouchings of the colonic mucosa occur due to mucosal herniation of the colonic wall at sites of vascular perforation. The disease is common in developed countries, and its prevalence increases with age. Risk factors for its development include inadequate dietary fibre intake, abnormal colonic motility, and elevated pressures within the colon. Studies from the late 1900s showed that this disease was unknown in the African population, which is known for its high-fibre diet. With urbanisation, the prevalence of this disease has somewhat increased over the years in the African population. Just how common is this  condition among African people? In this review, we discuss the literature regarding this condition in indigenous Africans.