title: The effects of environmental factors on the incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection in the adult population of the Lublin region.
abstract: The Helicobacter pylori infection is considered the most frequent factor of morbidity and mortality in the diseases of the upper alimentary tract. It is responsible for duodenal and gastric ulcers. It may contribute to the development of MALT lymphoma and gastric carcinoma. The H.p. infection is a widespread phenomenon, its intensification is associated with the socioeconomic status and increases with age. The aim of the study is to analyse the epidemiological trends of the H.p. infection, the effects of environmental factors, lifestyle, diet and sanitary habits on the incidence of H.p. infection in the adult population of the Lublin region. The study included 585 adults randomly chosen for epidemiological analysis within the project ordered by the Ministry of Health and State Committee for Scientific Research. The personal questionnaires were completed and serum levels of antibodies against H.p. were determined. The positive results were found in 78.52% of the examined participants. In the youngest group, the positive result was observed in 46% of cases. In the successive age groups a systematic increase in the number of the infected was found--from 46% to 100%. The highest number of the infected individuals live in provincial towns--94.6%, the lowest--in the country--71.9%. The infections are significantly affected by sanitary conditions: poor personal hygiene--the incidence about 90%. The infection incidence is also affected by alcohol consumption--increases with consumption of high-grade alcohols--82.4% (compared to 67.5% among non-drinkers) and decreases in those drinking low-grade alcohols (beer)--75.8% (84.9% in non-drinkers). No effects of the economic status and education on the H.p. infection incidence were observed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Medical University of Lublin.
authors.forename: Anetta
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kurzeja-Mirosław
authors.forename: Krzysztof
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Celiński
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Słomka
authors.forename: Agnieszka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Madro
authors.forename: Halina
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cichoz-Lach
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004032:Diet; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology