Prevalence and Risk Factors for Adenomatous Polyp in Koreans (A Cross-sectional Study)

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: According to previous epidemiologic studies, dietary and life style factors were associated with colon polyps. Despite the high prevalence of colon polyps, little is known about its risk factors in Korean adults. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the relationship between alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, physical activity and the presence of colorectal polyps. METHODS: Sigmoidoscopic examinations for colon cancer screening were performed from January 2002 to December 2003 at the Health Promotion Center of Ulsan University Hospital. Alcohol consumption, smoking and other confounding factors were assessed by self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: After adjusting for age, physical activity, obesity, total fat and total energy intake, current smokers who had smoked more than 21 pack-years were at significantly higher risk of adenomatous polyps compared to non-smokers (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.30~5.01). Alcohol consumption was positively associated with risk of adenomatous polyps compared to non-drinkers (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.03~2.13). Physical activity was negatively associated withs risk of distal colon polyps. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and obesity were positively associated with risk of colorectal polyps and physical activity was negatively associated in Korean adult males.