Prevalence and determinants of Helicobacter pylori sero-positivity in the Australian adult community.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To estimate the sero-prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori infection in the Australian adult population and identify determinants.

METHODS

We analyzed serum samples and questionnaire data from 1355 community controls who participated in a nationwide case-control study of esophageal cancer in Australia between 2002 and 2005. We estimated the prevalence ratio and 95% confidence interval using log binomial regression models.

RESULTS

The age and sex standardized sero-prevalence of H. pylori was 15.5%. The prevalence of infection varied significantly with age, ranging from 5% (< 40 years) to 32% (≥ 70 years). H. pylori infection was significantly higher among those born overseas (prevalence ratio [PR] 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34-1.98) compared with those born in Australia or New Zealand. H. pylori sero-prevalence was 23% higher among participants living in the lowest quartile of socio-economic areas (PR 0.77; 95%CI 0.59-0.99 for Q4 compared with Q1). H pylori serostatus was significantly inversely associated with university education (PR 0.56; 95%CI 0.38-0.83), frequent reflux symptoms (PR 0.62; 95%CI 0.42-0.91), use of proton pump inhibitor (PR 0.69; 95%CI 0.48-0.98) and use of medications for gut spasms (PR 0.48; 95%CI 0.25-0.93). H. pylori serostatus was not associated with body mass index, smoking, alcohol or physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of H. pylori infection in Australian adults is lower than other developed countries. H. pylori infection is most common among those living in the areas of socio-economic disadvantage or who were born overseas.