Socioeconomic factors in Helicobacter pylori infection among Danish adults.

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.