Dyspepsia in homeless adults.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for dyspepsia in a representative sample of homeless persons using shelters in Toronto, Canada.


BACKGROUND
Homeless people have many risk factors for dyspepsia, but little information is available on gastrointestinal symptoms in this population.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of 100 homeless adults, with serologic testing for Helicobacter pylori infection.


RESULTS
The prevalence of moderate, severe, or very severe symptoms within the past 3 months was 18% for upper stomach pain and 59% for any dyspeptic symptom. Nonwhite ethnicity (odds ratio, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-10.9) and a history of gastrointestinal disease (odds ratio, 8.6; 95% confidence interval, 2.5-29.6) were significantly associated with moderate to very severe upper stomach pain. H. pylori infection was identified in 31% of participants but was not significantly associated with dyspepsia.


CONCLUSIONS
Dyspepsia is a common problem among homeless adults in Toronto. The presence of upper stomach pain is most strongly associated with a history of gastrointestinal disease.
Hwang
Stephen W
SW
Centre for Research on Inner City Health, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. hwangs@smh.toronto.on.ca
Wong
Sunny Y C
SY
Bargh
Gordon J M
GJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors