Association between HSV1 Seropositivity and Obesity: Data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey, 2007–2008
2011
The Link Between Obesity and HSV1 Infection
Sample size: 2546
publication
10 minutes
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Karjala Zuzana, Neal Diane, Rohrer James
Primary Institution: Walden University
Hypothesis
Is obesity a risk factor for HSV1 infection?
Conclusion
Obesity may increase susceptibility to HSV1 infection.
Supporting Evidence
- Obese individuals were 1.5 times more likely to be infected with HSV1 compared to those with normal weight.
- The prevalence of HSV1 infection in the U.S. population aged 20-49 was 60.3%.
- The study used a large sample from the NHANES database to analyze the association.
Takeaway
Being overweight can make you more likely to get a virus called HSV1, which can cause cold sores and other problems.
Methodology
This cross-sectional study analyzed NHANES data from 2007-2008, focusing on BMI and HSV1 infection.
Potential Biases
Potential biases from self-reported data and the cross-sectional nature of the study.
Limitations
The study design is cross-sectional, limiting causal inference, and only includes adults aged 20-49.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 20-49, with a diverse racial/ethnic background.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.026
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.06–2.13
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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