[Epidemiological study of Helicobacter pylori infection and its risk factors in Shanghai]

To explore the Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection status in Shanghai and its risk factors.

A questionnaire survey including 60 items related to Hp was conducted among 1925 persons, 976 males (50.7%) and 949 females (49.3%), aged 37 +/- 11 (15 approximately 72), selected by cluster sampling in 12 rural and urban areas in Shanghai. Peripheral blood was collected to detect Hp IgG antibody so as to evaluate the past infection status and (14)C urea breath test (UBT) was performed so as to evaluate the present infection status. Fecal Hp antigen test was done in the subjects under 18 years of age.

1822 of the 1925 subjects (94.6%) underwent the 3 tests. were followed antibody detection and (14)C UBT and response with questionnaires. The Hp infection rate was 66.4% in general, and 68.4% in the females, somehow higher than in the males (64.3%, P = 0.067). The infection rate was different in different age groups, was the lowest in the age group of 15 approximately 19 (44.4%) and the highest 70% in age group of 20 approximately 30 (70%), then somewhat lower and gradually became higher. Socio-economic status was related to Hp infection. Hp infection was related with such factors as eating raw vegetables and fruits, and never washing raw vegetables and fruits before eating. The knowledge rate about Hp infection was only 33.2% among the respondents. Only 23.8% of the respondents knew well the transmission route of Hp.

Hp infection rate is rather high in Shanghai. Hp infection is related to socio-economic status, and family dietary and sanitary habits.