Sero-prevalence of and risk factors associated with Helicobacter pylori infections among individuals with peptic ulcer in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria during 2020-2021

Background: Helicobacter pylori, which is a causative agent of chronic gastritis, duodenal ulcer and gastric cancer, presently affects approximately one half the world population. This study was conducted to assess epidemiology risk factors for acquisition H. pylori among individuals with without peptic symptoms in Owerri, Nigeria, order provide baseline data create awareness effective management prevention infection caused by this pathogen.
 Methodology: A total 384 participants, symptomatic asymptomatic ulcer, were recruited from three Local Government Areas (LGAs) Imo State, Nigeria. The participants randomly patients attending outpatient clinics disease at Federal Medical Center general hospitals primary healthcare centers across Owerri LGAs, while community. Information on socio-demographic characteristics each participant potential collected pre-tested structured questionnaire. Blood samples detection antibodies (IgG) using one-step test device faecal occult blood (from ulceration) (FOB) test. Data analyzed SPSS version 25.0 association sero-prevalence determined Chi-square or Fisher Exact (with Odds ratio). P value < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
 Results: 72.4% (285/384) prevalence FOB 71.1% (273/384). 78.4% (214/273) those ulcers seropositive 64.0% (71/111) sero-positive (p=0.0045). Factors significantly associated high age groups 41-50 (100%), 21-30 (78.4%) 31-40 (67.6%) years (X2=66.964, p<0.0001), illiteracy (OR=6.888, unemployment (OR=2.427, low social class status (X2=28.423, p=0.0003), drinking unclean water (OR=5.702, living crowded rooms (OR=2.720, eating food bought vendors (OR=3.563, family history (OR=12.623, habits raw vegetables unwashed fruits (OR=6.272, non-regular hand washing practices before meal (OR=2.666, p<0.0001) presence (OR=2.043, p=0.0045). However, smoking (OR=0.7581, p=0.2449) gender (OR=0.6538, p=0.0796) not pylori.
 Conclusion: There need comprehensive strategy including public health education campaign improve personal hygiene environmental sanitation, provision safe government populace, discourage indiscriminate open defecation.