Decreasing prevalence of Helicobacter pylori according to birth cohorts in urban China
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Abstract
Background/Aims: The Helicobacter pylori prevalence has been decreasing in many parts of the world. This study aimed to investigate the current epidemiological status of H. pylori infection in urban China.<o:p></o:p>
Materials and Methods: The study included 51,299 subjects aged ≥18 years who underwent health checkups between April 2013 and June 2016 in a city of China. H. pylori infection was determined by detecting H. pylori urease-IgG antibodies. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests for trends and curve fitting. <o:p></o:p>
Results: The overall H. pylori prevalence was found to be 31.9%, with the highest prevalence in the 1950-1959 birth cohort. It was lower in the subsequent birth cohorts (trends, p<0.001). The decrease in H. pylori prevalence was correlated with the increase in per capita gross domestic product (GDP) and real per capita GDP; the power model was best fitted (R2=0.914 and 0.997 and p=0.011 and 0.000, respectively). <o:p></o:p>
Conclusion: There has been a striking decrease in the H. pylori prevalence in urban China. The birth cohort effect and economic growth are the most likely causes of this phenomenon.
<o:p></o:p>
Materials and Methods: The study included 51,299 subjects aged ≥18 years who underwent health checkups between April 2013 and June 2016 in a city of China. H. pylori infection was determined by detecting H. pylori urease-IgG antibodies. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests for trends and curve fitting. <o:p></o:p>
Results: The overall H. pylori prevalence was found to be 31.9%, with the highest prevalence in the 1950-1959 birth cohort. It was lower in the subsequent birth cohorts (trends, p<0.001). The decrease in H. pylori prevalence was correlated with the increase in per capita gross domestic product (GDP) and real per capita GDP; the power model was best fitted (R2=0.914 and 0.997 and p=0.011 and 0.000, respectively). <o:p></o:p>
Conclusion: There has been a striking decrease in the H. pylori prevalence in urban China. The birth cohort effect and economic growth are the most likely causes of this phenomenon.
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