Prevalence and Associated Factors for Helicobacter Pylori Seropositivity among Adult Patients Visiting Outpatient Department at Jimma University Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori infects more than 50% of the world’s population with higher prevalence in developing countries than developed countries. The prevalence of H. pylori varies in different societies and geographical locations. Although there are some studies done on the prevalence of the problem and its associated factors in other areas of Ethiopia, there is no similar study done in Jimma. Objective:To determine the prevalence and factors associate with-Pylori infection among adult patients visiting outpatient department of Jimma University Medical Centre. Methods:Hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted on 306 patients aged >18 years at Jimma University Medical Center attending outpatient department from July30, 2018 to August 11, 2018. Data was collected using structured questionnaire. Systematic sampling technique was employed to select study participants. Helicobacter pylori immunoglobulin(IgG) serology test was used for each participant. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 20. Descriptive statistics was employed to describe each variables and Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated factors of H.pylori. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each variable of interest was calculated. P < 0.05 was used as level of statistical significance. Results: The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 53.3%.Multivariable regression indicated that family size [AOR=1.9, 95%CI=1.033-3.617], unprotected source of drinking water [AOR=2.480, 95%CI=1.231-4.995], not hand washing habit after toilet[AOR=2.7, 95%CI=1.316-5.659], eating raw vegetables and fruits[AOR=3.012, 95%CI=1.671-5.429] were significantly associated with the risk of infection. Conversely, study participants who didn’t sharing drinking cup/glass were protective against infection[AOR, 0.303, 95% CI=.156-.586]. Conclusions: The prevalence of H. pylori was high in the study area. Age, family size, eating raw vegetables and fruits, poor hand hygiene practices, and unprotected sources of drinking water were associated with seropositivity of H. pylori. Thus, to understand the underlying mechanisms for H. pylori colonization and infection, further investigation in the area is needed.