Helicobacter pylori fecal antigenemia in clinically suspected peptic ulcer disease adults in Dar es salaam
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Date
2025
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Kairuki University
Abstract
Background: Globally, Helicobacter pylori infection affects over 50% of the world’s population, with prevalence rates varying significantly by region.1 Common in developing countries like Tanzania due to poor sanitation and overcrowding. Its ability to survive in acidic conditions and evade the immune system makes it a major contributor to PUD, alongside factors like NSAID use, smoking, and alcohol use. Understanding the prevalence of H. pylori and its socio-demographic, environmental, and behavioral risk factors is crucial. Early detection and targeted interventions can effectively prevent PUD and its complications in the community.
Objective: To determine the H. Pylori fecal prevalence, risk factors, and correlation between H .pylori and PUD in adults clinically suspected of PUD in Dar es Salaam Communities,2025.
Methodology: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, community-based study conducted among adults clinically suspected of Peptic Ulcer Disease in Dar es Salaam. Participants were selected using multistage sampling. The dependent variable was Helicobacter pylori infection (positive/negative), while independent variables included socio-demographic, environmental, behavioral factors, and clinical suspicion of PUD. Data were analyzed with SPSS v25; continuous variables were summarized as means ± SD, and categorical variables as counts and percentages. Comparisons were tested using chi-square, with variables at p < 0.2 included in multivariable logistic regression (significance p < 0.05, 95% CI). Spearman’s rank correlation assessed the relationship between clinical suspicion of PUD and H. pylori infection.
Results: Among the 390 participants recruited, 252(64.6%) were females, 138(35.4%) were males, and the mean age was 36.9 ± 15.7 standard deviation years. Overall, 161(41.3%) were H.pylori positive. H.pylori infection was highest among those aged 40 to 49 years,35(46.7%), singles,41(44.6%), marital groups, tap water users, at 106 (46.9%), residents in poor areas,16 (43.2%), those who consumed alcohol and smoked cigarettes, 63(50.4%) and 126(44.5%), a family history of Helicobacter Pylori infection, 141(43.0%), those who rarely use painkillers, 27(50.9%), those with dietary habit of eating fast foods and source of daily diet from street vendors 140(43.3%) and 152(41.8%) respectively. Those with excellent access to toilets showed notably low infection rates, 1 (12.5%).In univariate analysis, factors such as Gender, source of drinking water, smoking habit, alcohol use, family history of H. pylori, and Dietary habits achieved a significance level of 0.2; however, multivariable regression revealed that only the source of water was significantly associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. A positive linear statistical correlation was observed between H. pylori infection and clinically suspected PUD, with a strength ranging from 63.4% to 93.3%.
Conclusion: Helicobacter pylori infection was more prevalent among adults who were clinically suspected of having peptic ulcer disease in the Dar es Salaam communities. The use of tap water for drinking was the most significant risk factor.
Recommendations: Ensure tap water safety by regular testing, infrastructure improvements, community education on safe drinking water handling, and Future studies should employ longitudinal designs to establish causal relationships between H. pylori infection, behavioral risk factors, and clinical outcomes.
Description
A dissertation submitted in (partial) fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Medicine (Internal Medicine) at Kairuki University
Keywords
H. pylori, peptic ulcer disease, adult
Citation
Lweno, Neema H. 2025. Helicobacter pylori fecal antigenemia in clinically suspected peptic ulcer disease adults in Dar es salaam. Dissertation. Kairuki University