Peptic ulcer disease and exposure to domestic pets.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed whether an association exists between household pets and peptic ulcer disease.


METHODS
Canadian adults (n = 15,779) were asked about cats or dogs in their household and about history of peptic ulcer disease. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between pet ownership and a history of peptic ulcer disease, after adjustment for sociodemographic differences.


RESULTS
No relationship was observed between report of household pets and a history of peptic ulcer disease (adjusted odds ratio = 1.14, 95% confidence interval = 0.95, 1.36).


CONCLUSIONS
In a large sample of Canadian adults, no association was observed between pet ownership and a history of peptic ulcer disease.
McIsaac
W J
WJ
Mount Sinai Family Medical Centre, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. w.mcisaac@utoronto.ca
Leung
G M
GM
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic / Q000382:microbiology; D002170:Canada; D002415:Cats / Q000382:microbiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004285:Dogs / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000150:complications; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010067:Ownership / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010437:Peptic Ulcer / Q000209:etiology*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires