The Helicobacter pylori
infection is considered the most frequent factor of morbidity and mortality in the diseases of the upper alimentary tract. It is responsible for duodenal and
gastric ulcers. It may contribute to the development of
MALT lymphoma and gastric
carcinoma. The H.p.
infection is a widespread phenomenon, its intensification is associated with the socioeconomic status and increases with age. The aim of the study is to analyse the epidemiological trends of the H.p.
infection, the effects of environmental factors, lifestyle, diet and sanitary habits on the incidence of H.p.
infection in the adult population of the Lublin region. The study included 585 adults randomly chosen for epidemiological analysis within the project ordered by the Ministry of Health and State Committee for Scientific Research. The personal questionnaires were completed and serum levels of
antibodies against H.p. were determined. The positive results were found in 78.52% of the examined participants. In the youngest group, the positive result was observed in 46% of cases. In the successive age groups a systematic increase in the number of the infected was found--from 46% to 100%. The highest number of the infected individuals live in provincial towns--94.6%, the lowest--in the country--71.9%. The
infections are significantly affected by sanitary conditions: poor personal hygiene--the incidence about 90%. The
infection incidence is also affected by alcohol consumption--increases with consumption of high-grade
alcohols--82.4% (compared to 67.5% among non-drinkers) and decreases in those drinking low-grade
alcohols (beer)--75.8% (84.9% in non-drinkers). No effects of the economic status and education on the H.p.
infection incidence were observed.