THE PREVALENCE OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION AND ITS ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN VILLAGES SURROUNDING SUNDAR ESTATE INDUTRIAL AREA

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori has been one of the most prevalent chronic bacterial infections in the world and its infection is highly linked with gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. In developing countries, substandard sanitation, drinking water and hygiene, overcrowding, and sanitation contribute to the high prevalence of infection. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of H. pylori and associated risk factors in villages of Lahore in and around Sundar industrial estate. Objective: To determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection and its associated risk factors in villages surrounding Sundar Estate industrial area. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Punjab Social Security Hospital, Lahore for four months. Convenience sampling was used to obtain a total of 194 subjects with gastrointestinal complaints. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data, which included demographic, environmental and lifestyle risk factors. Detection of infection was done using stool H. pylori Antigen ICT testing. The IBM SPSS Statistics software was used for data analysis. Results: The overall prevalence was 55.2% H. pylori infection. The highest prevalence (60%) was seen in the 31-40 age group. There was a slightly higher prevalence in males (58%) than in females (52.1%). The prevalence was significantly higher among participants who consumed unfiltered drinking water (65.8%) as compared to those who consumed filtered drinking water (40%). Poor sanitation (63.7%), poor personal hygiene (67%) and smoking (64.1%) were also very strongly associated with infection. Conclusion: The study has found that the prevalence of H. pylori infection in the study population was high, and that it was strongly associated with modifiable environmental and lifestyle factors. Reducing the burden of infection may be achieved through improved sanitation, access to safe drinking water, awareness of personal hygiene and through early screening programs.