나연자1, 엄미라1, 공미희1,2, 김현주1,2

1제주대학교병원 가정의학과, 2제주대학교 의학전문대학원 제주대학교병원 가정의학교실

Background: The incidence of colorectal polyps have been reported to be increasing in those aged 30-40 years
who consume fast food, have low physical activity, and use alcohol and cigarettes. We analyzed the characteristics
and risk factors of colorectal polyps in asymptomatic adults in Jeju Island.
Methods: Data on 1700 individuals who underwent a screening colonoscopy from 1 July, 2010 to 30 June, 2012
were analyzed based on age, gender, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, blood tests, and behavioral habits
including alcohol use, smoking, and exercise.
Results: The prevalence of colorectal polyps, including adenomatous and hyperplastic, is 43.1% and is higher
in males (P<0.001). The prevalence according to age group shows increasing by age (P for trend<0.001). The
most common histologic type of polyp is adenomatous in the <50 years and >50 years age groups, 27.3% and
45.3% respectively. And the percentage of adenomatous polyps has shown an increasing trend along with increasing
number and size of polyps (P for trend<0.001). BMI, waist circumference (WC), fasting blood sugar,
and triglyceride were higher in males with polyps than males in the control group. BMI and WC were higher and
HDL-cholesterol was lower in females with polyps. The incidence of colorectal polyps was higher in male and
female smokers (P<0.001 and P=0.035 respectively).
Conclusions: Our results showed that older age, male gender, obesity, and smoking are risk factors for colorectal
polyps. The prevalence of colorectal adenomatous polyps is 27.3% in <50 yrs, 33.4% in the 40s. For early
detection and treatment, we recommend a screening colonoscopy for those with risk factors.
Korean J Health Promot 2014;14(4):141-146
Keywords: Colorectal polyp, Prevalence, Risk factors