[Epidemiological examinations for peptic ulcer in miners of pit-coal mines. I. Effect of socioeconomic factors].

In 3-pit coal mines, all workers were examined by means of an inquiry. Apart from personal data the inquiry included information on the category of work performed, length of employment, family state and socio-living conditions as well as diseases of digestive tract. The diagnosis of peptic ulcer and data on its course were based on medical documentation of Plant Outpatient Departments. Collected material comprised 9361 persons, i.e. 95% of the whole population examined. After having excluded women, employed only on surface, results were worked out concerning the population of 8302 men employed both underground and on surface. In this mining population one found 7.92% persons suffering from peptic ulcer; thus the occurrence of the disease resembled that of general population. The rate of duodenal and gastric ulcer was identical. The studies indicated that the percentage of peptic ulcer was increased proportionally to age and number of children and was greater in married than in bachelors. No greater percentage was found in widowers and divorcees, or in those eating in canteens, partaking cold meals during work or drinking alcohol. Instead in smokers a greater percentage of peptic ulcer was found. The rate of the occurrence of peptic ulcer is greater with higher salaries, additional paid, or social, work, and in case of daily travelling on a motorcycle or bicycle. Finally it was indicated that those suffering from peptic ulcer limited smoking and drinking habits and endeavoured to be fed properly.