Clinical and Socio- Demographic Risk Factors for Acquisition of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to assess clinical and socio-demographic characteristics as well as prior<br />drug usage as risk factors for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in Nigeria. Methods: A total of 347 respondents<br />were surveyed by assessing their clinical and socio-demographic characteristics in comparison with the non-invasive<br />gold standard for H. pylori diagnosis, the urea breath test (UBT). Chi-square test and odds ratio analyses were<br />conducted in order to assess if variables such as socio-demographic factors, drug intake, and history of ulcer/gastritis/<br />gastric cancer within the family significantly predicted test results. Results: A total of 130 (37.5%) respondents were<br />positive for H. pylori by the UBT. Living with more than three people in an apartment and a history of ulcer/gastritis<br />within the family were significantly associated with H. pylori (p ≤0.05), as well as current antibiotic intake (p ≤0.05).<br />Nationality, stay outside Nigeria, level of education, main occupation, smoking and drinking habits, sources of drinking<br />water, number of children and history of gastric cancer had no significant association with H. pylori infection (p ≥ 0.05).<br />Conclusion: The results of the questionnaire revealed that most socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents<br />had no significant association with H. pylori. Overcrowding, having siblings/parents with history of ulcer/gastritis as<br />well as prior antibiotic usage had a significant association.