Peptic ulcer in male factory workers: a survey of prevalence, incidence, and aetiological factors.

The prevalence of active and inactive peptic ulcer was 23% in male workers aged 31-60 at a plastics processing factory in Tokyo. Similarly, the incidence of active and inactive peptic ulcer during one year was 5% or more. The findings from a case control study suggested that smoking and family history were the major aetiological factors. The incidence and prevalence of peptic ulcer in male factory workers in Japan appear to be higher than elsewhere.