Socioeconomic factors in Helicobacter pylori infection among Danish adults

Am J Public Health. 1996 Nov;86(11):1539-44. doi: 10.2105/ajph.86.11.1539.

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the relationship between housing conditions, educational level, occupational factors, and serologically diagnosed acute and chronic Helicobacter pylori infection.

Methods: Immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M serum antibodies against H. pylori were measured in 3589 Danish adults who participated in a population study.

Results: Low socioeconomic status (odds ratio [OR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.7, 3.0), short duration of schooling (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.3, 2.5), lack of training/education (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.2, 1.7]), unskilled work (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2, 2.5), and high work-related energy expenditure (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.1, 1.9) increased the likelihood of chronic H. pylori infection. Infection was frequent in people who had lived abroad. Increased levels solely of immunoglobulin M antibodies were found more often in people who were divorced (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.2, 4.4) or unmarried (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.1, 3.8) or who worked long hours (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.1, 4.0).

Conclusions: Educational and occupational factors relate to the likelihood of chronic H. pylori infection in adults. The rate of acute infection is high in single individuals.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cohort Studies
  • Denmark
  • Educational Status
  • Helicobacter Infections / etiology
  • Helicobacter Infections / immunology
  • Helicobacter Infections / microbiology*
  • Helicobacter pylori* / immunology
  • Helicobacter pylori* / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupations
  • Odds Ratio
  • Residence Characteristics
  • Socioeconomic Factors*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M