Analysis of risk factors for Helicobacter pylori infection in the Maltese population

Abstract

Background: To assess risk factors for H.Pylori Infection in the Maltese population.

Methods: A total of 138 patients undergoing OGD investigation were contacted by telephone and asked a series of questions relating to their H.Pylori status, demographics, and the various risk factors under investigation. The main variables under consideration were as follows; smoking status, alcohol status, and socioeconomical status. Data for H.Pylori positive and negative individuals was analysed for significance using Chi Squared.

Results: From the 138 respondents 50 were found to be CLO positive whilst 83 were found to be negative. From the positive cohort 62% were found to be non-smokers whilst 38% were found to have previously smoked, and 16% were found to be alcohol consumers (>=3 drinks a week), whilst 84% were non-drinkers. The percentages in the negative cohort were as follows; 59.5% non-smokers and 40.5% smokers, whilst 21.4% were alcohol consumers and 78.6% were not. The cohort was divided into six geographic districts (northern harbour, southern harbour, south east, northern, western, and Gozo) with the % of positives being 18%, 30% , 24%, 14%, 14% and 0%, whilst the negatives were 27.4%, 19%, 16.7%, 14.3%, 21.4%, and 1%. Socioeconomic status was assessed based on government pay scales for occupation. Of the positives 79% were >= to grade 10 whilst 21% were < grade 10. For negatives the percentages were 77.8% and 22.2% respectively.

Conclusion: Thus it can be seen that there was no significant difference in the incidence of the aforementioned risk factors in the positive and negative cohorts.