Determinants and Clinical Manifestations of Helicobacter pylori Infection among Gastrointestinal Patients in Dhamar, Yemen: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Background: Helicobacter pylori infection remains a major global public health challenge, particularly in low-resource settings where disease burden remains high. Despite its clinical importance, data regarding associated risk factors and symptom patterns remain limited in several populations, including Yemen.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of H. pylori infection and evaluate associated factors and clinical symptoms among gastrointestinal patients attending a tertiary healthcare center in Dhamar.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a quota-based sampling approach. H. pylori infection was diagnosed using a stool antigen test. Data were analyzed using univariate statistical analyses followed by multivariable binary logistic regression to identify independent predictors while controlling for potential confounding variables.
Results: The study demonstrated a high prevalence of H. pylori infection among the investigated population. Although univariate analysis initially identified several significant sociodemographic associations, multivariable logistic regression revealed that age >30 years was the only statistically significant independent predictor associated with infection (AOR = 0.086; 95% CI: 0.017–0.437; P = 0.003). Clinical manifestations, including upper abdominal pain (98.0%), nausea (97.6%), and vomiting (96.9%), showed significant associations with H. pylori positivity (P < 0.001). In contrast, lifestyle and dietary variables, including hot pepper consumption, did not retain significance following multivariable adjustment
Conclusions: H. pylori infection was highly prevalent and independently associated with older age and gastrointestinal symptoms. These findings provide preliminary epidemiological evidence and support the need for future longitudinal studies using representative sampling and confirmatory diagnostic methods.
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