Chronic digestive disease in an urban black population.

There is a marked contrast in incidence of chronic digestive diseases between black populations of sub-Saharan Africa and Western populations. Environmental factors inherent in modern Western civilization have been incriminated as largely responsible for the differences observed. The significance of these factors in chronic digestive disease in Soweto is emphasized since they provide clues to aetiology. In this context research avenues with regard to specific diseases are suggested.