Prevalence and risk factors for helicobacter pylori infection among out patients with gastrointestinal tract disorder in Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, South Eastern Nigeria.

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) constitute the major aetiologic agent of many diseases in the gastrointestinal tract. This cross-sectional study aims at determining the burden and risk factors for infection in our centre. Relevant clinical and socio-demographic data were obtained. Serology tests were carried out. Of the 100 participants, 30 were males while 70 were females; with male: female ratio of 1:2.5. Age range was 10 to 85 years, with a mean age of 36±21.1 years. Age group 31-40 years had the highest number of participants. Of the 100 samples, 60 were positive for H. pylori giving a prevalence of 60.0%. Age group 31-40 years had 20.0% prevalence; while11-20 age group had 4%. Participants who ate out daily (47%) were higher than those who ate out occasionally (9.0%); with prevalence of 30.0% and 4.0% respectively. Infection was significantly higher among those who drank borehole (tap) water (27.0%) than those who drank table water (0.0%) (P≤0.001). Traders who stayed away from home (51.0%) had highest prevalence. The findings showed a high
prevalence of H. pylori in Aba and the risk factors identified included unclean water sources, eating habits and occupation.