Epidemiology and demographic trends of sarcoidosis in southern West Bank, Palestine: a retrospective study (2019–2024)

BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology that most commonly affects the lungs and hilar lymph nodes. Although it has been reported worldwide, its epidemiology and clinical characteristics in Palestine remain unclear. This study aimed to estimate the incidence, prevalence, and sociodemographic characteristics of sarcoidosis diagnosed between 2019 and 2024 in the southern West Bank of Palestine (Hebron and Bethlehem). METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted using medical records from Al-Ahli Hospital and affiliated pathology laboratories. Data collected included annual incidence and prevalence rates, age at diagnosis, sex, diagnostic method, biopsy site, smoking status, and comorbidities. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and inferential analyses included chi-square tests for categorical variables and independent-samples t-tests for continuous variables. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27, with [Formula: see text] considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were diagnosed with sarcoidosis during the study period. The annual incidence increased from 0.41 to 1.92 per 100,000 population between 2019 and 2024, while prevalence increased from 0.41 to 5.67 per 100,000. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was [Formula: see text] years, and most cases occurred in individuals aged ≥ 36 years. Females accounted for 61.3% of cases. Diagnosis was histologically confirmed in 83.9% of patients, most commonly from thoracic lymph nodes (46.8%). Statistically significant gender differences were observed in smoking status ([Formula: see text]) and hypothyroidism ([Formula: see text]), while no statistically significant difference were observed in mean age at diagnosis between males and females ([Formula: see text]). Trend analysis showed a statistically significant increase in reported incidence over time. CONCLUSION: Sarcoidosis incidence and prevalence increased in the southern West Bank, particularly after 2022. The disease was observed more frequently among middle-aged adults and females. The observed increase likely reflects improvements in diagnostic capacity and greater clinical awareness; however, a true rise in disease occurrence cannot be excluded. These findings highlight the need for improved diagnostic access, clinician education, and the establishment of a national sarcoidosis registry to improve disease surveillance and patient outcomes in Palestine. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable. This study did not involve a healthcare intervention in human participants.