Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection in the Slovak Republic

Abstract

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori differs significantly both between regions and within single regions. Infection generally shows an indirect correlation with socioeconomic conditions. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection in the section of the Slovakian population over 18 years of age with the aid of the ¹³C-urea breath test (UBT) and assess the relationship and differences between the incidence of H. pylori and data gathered with the aid of the questionnaire method.

Materials and methods: Participants were selected randomly according to their place of work. Regular allocation according to individual regions was not a precondition. H. pylori was examined with the aid of UBT. Data on the state of health of participants and their social characteristics was gathered with the aid of the questionnaire method.

Results: The epidemiological survey was realized on a sample of 1,838 respondents (39% male, 61% female). 6% of respondents had attained primary education, 41% secondary education and 53% tertiary education. 645 respondents (35%) were UBT positive. The most frequently stated difficulties were meteorisms, nausea and pyrosis (26, 20, 18%). When comparing data gained from questionnaires, we found statistically significant results only in the observed growth, increasing with age, of H. pylori infection. All other results of the study were insignificant when compared to other data gathered.

Conclusion: The overall current prevalence of H. pylori in the Slovak Republic is 35%.