Prevalence and factors associated with Helicobacter pylori infection among apparently healthy adults in Chato District Council, Tanzania

Vollständiger Abstract

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Introduction: Although the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori has declined globally, it remains significant in developing countries. In Africa, most prevalence data come from patients with gastroduodenal symptoms, which may overestimate infection in the general population. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence of H. pylori and associated risk factors in the general population. Methods: A hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at selected healthcare facilities in Chato District Council, Geita; Tanzania from January to April 2025. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the study participants. Data analysis was done by using STATA version 15.0 software (College Station, Texas, USA). Independent factors/determinants for H. pylori infection were determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis using odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals and a p-value cut-off of less than 0.05. Results: A total of 386 apparently healthy adults were enrolled, with a median age of 31 years (IQR: 24–40); 222 (57.5%) were female. Most participants were engaged in agriculture and fishing (259; 67.1%) and had at most a primary education (257; 66.6%). The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 35.5%. In the multivariable analysis, participants engaged in agriculture and fishing had lower odds of H. pylori infection compared with informal workers (aPOR=0.6, 95% CI: 0.36–0.96; p=0.033), while household size, animal contact and gastrointestinal symptoms were not significantly associated with infection. Conclusion: This study identified a substantial burden of asymptomatic H. pylori infection among apparently healthy adults in Chato District Council. Agriculture and fishing occupations were independently associated with lower odds of infection compared with informal occupations. Community-based studies are warranted to confirm this finding and further explore factors associated with H. pylori infection.