Determination of Seroprevalence and Associated Factors of Helicobacter Pylori Infection among Bangladeshi and Somalian Students

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections are the prime health concern nowadays as this may lead to peptic ulcer diseases and several types of stomach cancer. Factors including genetic, socioeconomic, ecological, personal hygiene and sanitation, and bacterial features are accountable for the predominance and development of disease. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of H. pylori and their association with age, sex, food habits and source, irregular meals, and physical activities among Bangladeshi and Somalian students. Cross-sectional structured questionnaires were used to collect demographic, food habits and lifestyle data. A total 80 Bangladeshi (32) and Somalian (48) students participated in this study. Selected students were invited to the laboratory to provide blood samples for H. pylori IgG antibody detection through Enzyme Linked Immuno-sorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Data from the survey and laboratory were analyzed using SPPS v.26. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to find an association between H. pylori infection and factors. Around 55% of the participants were found seropositive. Among them Somalian students were prevalently higher than Bangladeshi students. Mostly younger males were found seropositive regardless of age and educational level. Multivariate analysis revealed gender (OR:4.524, CI:1.526-13.407), ethnic origin (OR:4.200, CI:1.622-10.872), skipping of meals (OR:8.600, CI:0.984-75.151) and breakfast (OR:11.205, CI: 3.740-33.568) and physical activity levels (OR:0.286, CI:0.113-0.721) were significantly linked with H. pylori infections. More than two-third Somalian students (68.7%) were infected with H. pylori whereas one-third of Bangladeshi students were found positive. Somalian students were found to be less active and the pattern of skipping meals and breakfast was higher compared to Bangladeshi counterparts. Somalian students probably carried H. pylori infection from their native land, and less physical activity and mistiming of taking meals enhanced the infection. Communication barriers and food preferences could be other reasons. To prevent this infection, we suggest cleanliness, a healthy life style and nutritious meals with adequate physical activities are obligatory.