Upper socioeconomic status is associated with lower Helicobacter pylori infection rate among patients undergoing gastroscopy

Abstract

Introduction: Socioeconomic factors play an important role in the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection. The aim of this study is to investigate HP prevalence among symptomatic patients in the upper socioeconomic segment of the population undergoing gastroscopy in an endemic urban region.
 Methodology: Over a 12-month period, data were collected from the first consecutive 1000 patients (500 from university hospital, 500 from community hospital) who had gastroscopy and HP evaluation.
 Results: Overall, 211/1000 patients (21.1 %) were found to have HP in gastric biopsies. The specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of rapid urease test were 87.5%, 99.7%, 99%, 96.5%, and 96.9% respectively. Atrophic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers were significantly more common in HP positive patients. Age based distribution of HP prevalence: > 6 decades (15.5%), 3rd-5th decades (26.1%), < 3rd decades (10.4%).
 Conclusion: In an HP endemic country, the prevalence of HP infection among symptomatic patients belonging to the upper socioeconomic segment of the population appears to be markedly lower. The lowest prevalence in young patients is expected to result in future decrease in HP prevalence.

Helicobacter pylori Infection: Comparison of Knowledge between Health Science and Non-Health Science University Students

“…However, several demographic factors are associated with the H. pylori infection. High income and higher educational levels are associated with a decrease in the prevalence of H. pylori gastritis [12,13]. Additionally, age, occupation, the type of drinking water used, consumption of fruits, vegetables, or fried food are also independent risk factors for H. pylori infection [14][15][16].…”

An Opportunistic infection during stay home period in COVID 19 outbreak; Helicobacter Pylori

“…Treatment for HP infection has averted a huge number of gastric cancers and blunted the increase in mortality from this cancer in the general population. HP infection also remains the leading cause of gastric cancer among subjects who have poor socioeconomic status (20,21).…”

Gastric troubles in Iran: The role of social and economic factors in Helicobacter pylori infection

“…However, it is unknown whether this difference is a result of different social and environmental factors or genetic predisposition. 3 According to previous studies, the prevalence of this infection has been 34.7% and more than 50%, respectively, in developed and developing countries. In Iran, it has varied between 50% and 60%.…”