Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Helicobacter Pylori Infection Among Patients With Dyspepsia Attending Kalkaal Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia

Abstract

Background: Globally, about fifty percent of the adult population is colonized by Helicobacter pylori, with an estimated eighty percent prevalence among adults in low-income households. The high infection rate in low-income countries can be attributed to factors such as inadequate clean water supply, poor sanitation, overcrowding, low literacy levels, and poverty within the population. In Somalia, there is limited information available regarding the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori and its associated risk factors, especially among patients with dyspepsia. Aim: To determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection and associated risk factors among patients with dyspepsia seeking medical services at Kalkaal Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia Methods: This was a cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted at Kalkaal Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia. A total of 417 patients presenting with dyspepsia were randomly and systematically sampled. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were collected from the patients Data was collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire designed electronically in an open data kit (ODK). Laboratory testing involved the use of H. pylori one-step Rapid Diagnostic Kit antigen to test for H. pylori in fresh stool specimens. Data analysis was conducted using R language version 4.2.2. Summarization of results was done in a descriptive manner. Other analytical techniques entailed chi square and binary logistic models. Results: The prevalence of H. pylori infection among patients with dyspepsia attending Kalkaal Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia was recorded at 56.2%. Statistically significant risk factors associated with H. pylori infection include drinking bottled water (adjOR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.07–3.49), a history of peptic ulcers (adjOR = 3.15, 95% CI: 1.63-6.07), nausea with vomiting (adjOR = 4.89, 95% CI: 2.60–9.19), and heartburn (adjOR = 11.24, 95% CI: 6.19-20.42). The study noted that patients who exhibit dyspepsia when seeking medical services in Mogadishu, Somalia have a 97% likelihood of testing positive for H. pylori in their stool. Conclusions: There is a need for more health awareness campaigns among residents residing in Mogadishu regarding the following risk factors associated with H. pylori infection: drinking bottled water, a family history of peptic ulcers, nausea with vomiting, and heartburn. These campaigns should focus on encouraging early testing and treatment of H. pylori, which is moderately prevalent in Mogadishu