Risk Factors and Prevalence ofHelicobacter pyloriInfection in Persistent High Incidence Area of Gastric Carcinoma in Yangzhong City

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors ofH. pyloriinfection in areas with high prevalence of gastric cancer in Jiangsu Province, China.Methods. A prospective epidemiologic survey ofH. pyloriinfection was accomplished in a natural population of 5417 individuals in Yangzhong city. Questionnaires and 13C-urea breath test forH. pyloriinfection were performed.Results. Among 5417 subjects who completed questionnaires and 13C-urea breath test, 3435 (63.41%) wereH. pyloripositive. The prevalence reached a peak at the age of 30–39 years (90.82%). There was significant difference between sexes and women had a higher infection rate than men. The prevalence ofH. pyloriinfection was also associated with eating kipper food and fried food. No association betweenH. pyloriprevalence and smoking or drinking was found. Compared to healthy individuals, people with dyspeptic diseases (peptic ulcer, gastroenteritis) presented a high prevalence ofH. pyloriinfection. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, age and history of peptic ulcer and gastroenteritis were the independent predictors forH. pyloriinfection.Conclusions. Yangzhong city had a high prevalence ofH. pyloriinfection and was related to several risk factors. The underlying mechanisms are needed to be further investigated.