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No link between hygiene increased UC incidence in North Indians
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Hygiene did not appear to be a key factor in the increasing incidence of ulcerative colitis in North Indians, according to recent study findings.
Researchers at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital in India said their findings challenged the veracity of hygiene hypotheses, which have been explored in several previous studies. In their study, the investigators evaluated 513 patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 188 age-matched controls. Participants completed a structured questionnaire that included socio-demographic characteristics and hygiene habits.
The UC group had a greater percentage of women (45.4% vs. 26.6%; P<.001) than controls and a higher proportion of those who graduated from secondary school (40.5% vs. 29.6%; P=.01). While 7.2% of participants in the UC group had a family history of IBD, none of the controls reported a family history.
Multivariate analysis revealed that the following factors were inversely associated with UC risk: having a private bed (OR=0.25; 95% CI, 0.16-0.39) and having superior toilet facilities (RCA Latrine, OR=0.29; 95% CI, 0.14-0.6; flush toilet, OR=0.43; 95% CI, 0.23-0.82). Conversely, ownership of a pet (OR=2.02; 95% CI, 1.14-3.59) and stressful events such as a death in the family (OR=2.19; 95% CI, 1.18-4.07) were linked to increased risk for UC.
“Our study does not provide definitive evidence to support hygiene hypothesis,” the researchers wrote. “It rather suggests that the rising incidence of UC in North India may be attributable to inadequate sanitary measures or other as yet unidentified factors.”
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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