Publication:

Stool antigen-based detection of Helicobacter pylori, knowledge and associated factors among patients with suspected gastrointestinal disorders at the Buea Regional Hospital

Background Helicobacter pylori, the most common bacterial infection worldwide, has become a global health issue, with an estimated half of the population exposed to infection. H. pylori is classified as a class I carcinogen and is the most common bacterium that colonizes the stomach predominantly in childhood, accounting for approximately 89% of H. pylori infections. This study assessed the prevalence of H. pylori infection, knowledge, and associated risk factors among patients at the Buea Regional Hospital.

Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 180 selected participants. Data were collected through the administration of an interviewer-administered questionnaire designed using Epi Info (version 7.2.5.0). Descriptive statistics are presented as frequencies and percentages.

Results The mean age of the participants was 40.81 years (standard deviation = 16.85). Among the 180 participants included in this study, 47% (96) were infected with H. pylori. More than half 60% (108) of the participants had good knowledge about H. pylori infection. Employed individuals had a lower risk of infection (aOR=0.37; 95% CI: 0.15-0.934; p=0.035). Compared with people with a tertiary education, those who attended secondary education had greater odds of infection (aOR=1.12, 95% CI: 1.033, 3.313; p<0.001). Individuals who used drugs regularly without a prescription had higher odds of infection (aOR=3.25; 95% CI: 1.118-9.46; p=0.03). alcoholic drinkers had lower odds of infection than does who did (aOR=0.48; 95% CI: 0.176-0.759; p=0.017). Those who used flushing toilets were less likely to have infection than those who used pit toilets were (aOR=0.23; 95% CI: 0.083-0.65; p=0.005).

Conclusions The results of the current study in a resource-limited environment revealed a high prevalence of H. pylori, which was driven mainly by socioeconomic, behavioural and environmental factors. Specific measures based on education, hygiene and antimicrobial management are essential to minimize the burden of infections and their potential complications.