Prevalence and Risk Factors for Helicobacter pylori Infection among Gastrointestinal Patients in Dhamar City, Yemen

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium frequently contracted during childhood and is the primary etiological agent of various gastrointestinal conditions, including gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric can- cer. The transmission of H. pylori predominantly occurs through person-to-person contact, most commonly via oral-oral or fecal-oral pathways. Its acquisition and persistence are strongly affected by various environmental and socioeconomic conditions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection and evaluate its association with multiple risk factors among individuals presenting with gastrointestinal disorders in Dhamar, Yemen. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between January to December 2022. H. pylori infection was detected using the stool antigen test (HpSA), which qualitatively identifies H. pylori antigens in human fecal samples. Demographic and behavioral data including age, gender, smoking status, family size, number of rooms in the household, educational level, Khat (Catha edulis) consumption, and tobacco (Shamma) chewing were collected through structured interviews. Logistic regression models were used in the analysis of odds ratios (ORs) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with a 5% significance level. Results: A total of 515 stool samples were collected from individuals in Dhamar Governorate, Yemen, to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori infection. The overall infection rate was found to be 68.5%, corresponding to 353 positive cases. Among the 185 male participants, 107 (57.8%) tested positive, while 246 of the 330 female participants (74.5%) were positive. Although no significant association was found between infection rates and family size, statistically significant correlations were observed with several factors, including gender, age, number of rooms in the household, educational level, smoking status, khat chewing, and tobacco (Shamma) use. Conclusion: This study highlights the substantial prevalence of H. pylori infection in the Dhamar community. A comprehensive understanding of the associated risk factors is essential for devising effective strategies to control and ultimately eliminate the transmission of this pathogen within the Yemeni population.