Prevalence of and risk factors for Helicobacter pylori infection among healthcare workers at a teaching hospital in Rome: the Catholic University Epidemiological Study

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of and the risk factors for Helicobacter pylori in a population of medical and non-medical workers at a teaching hospital in Rome, Italy.

Design: A cross-sectional study.

Methods: From January to October 1998, 655 subjects (65% of the total population) underwent a 13C-urea breath test to assess H. pylori infection. Subjects completed a questionnaire concerning sociodemographic characteristics, work departments and history of some gastrointestinal symptoms. Differences in means and proportions were evaluated and independent predictors of H. pylori infection status were assessed by multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results: Forty percent of the subjects were found to be H. pylori infected. The mean age of positive subjects was significantly higher than that of negative ones (38 +/- 14 versus 34 +/- 12 years; P < 0.01). No significant difference was found between males and females concerning the infection status (40.2% males versus 39.9% females). Lower years of father's education [odds ratio (OR), 3.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.9-5.1] and age older than 35 years (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3-3.1) were the only independent predictors of the likelihood of H. pylori positivity. Prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms was similar in infected and uninfected subjects. Physicians were significantly less infected than nurses and auxiliary personnel (26% versus 47% versus 55%, respectively); however, a loss of association was observed after adjustment by multiple logistic regression (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 0.9-3.7). In all groups, some specific departments appear to be associated with a higher infection status.

Conclusions: Among healthcare workers, H. pylori infection was associated with specific sociodemographic characteristics, such as age and level of father's education. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was not associated with different professional categories. However, some specific departments seem to increase infection risk.