The Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence in a representative population of 328 Melbourne Chinese immigrants (162 men and 166 women) aged 25 years and older were studied. The population consisted of Chinese people born in China/Hong Kong (n= 110, 33.5%), Vietnam (n= 79, 24.1%), Malaysia/Singapore (n= 102, 31.1%), and elsewhere (n= 37, 11.3%). The overall seroprevalence of H. pylori was 59.5%; 60.5% in men and 58.4% in women. Gender specific analysis showed associations between higher seroprevalence and several socio‐demographic factors; in men, age (P< 0.0001), lower education level (P< 0.002), cigarette smoking (P< 0.042), the use of antibiotics (P< 0.015) and chopsticks (P< 0.047), and in women, lower socioeconomical status [education level (P< 0.030), gross household income (P< 0.0001) and occupational status (P< 0.0001)] and use of chopsticks (P< 0.002). Seroprevalence differed between immigrants of various birthplaces (P< 0.001); those born in Malaysia/Singapore (43.1%) were lower than those born in China/Hong Kong (68.2%), Vietnam (68.4%), and elsewhere (59.5%). Immigrants of various birthplaces also differed in their pattern of socio‐demographics. Multivariate analyses showed that risk factors for H. pylori infection within the Melbourne Chinese immigrants were, in men, age (B = 1.081) and birthplace (B = 1.769) and, in women, household income (B = 0.541) and use of chopsticks (B = 1.654). This study suggests person‐to‐person transmission of H. pylori via the oral‐oral route with ethno‐specific food practices an important risk factor. Copyright © 1995, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved

Chinese transmission Seroprevalence Helicobacter pylori chopsticks ethno‐specific

male controlled study female priority journal bacterial transmission Chinese Australia seroprevalence Article disease transmission human adult ethnic difference Helicobacter pylori gastritis