Feco-prevalence and risk factors of Helicobacter pylori infection among adults with dyspepsia in Mogadishu, Somalia: a cross-sectional study

TL;DR

This study found that 40% of adults with dyspepsia in Mogadishu, Somalia, are infected with Helicobacter pylori, with white meat consumption increasing risk and living with children or elderly people offering some protection.

Contribution

The study identifies novel risk factors for Helicobacter pylori infection in a specific population in Somalia.

Findings

40% of dyspepsia patients tested positive for Helicobacter pylori.

Consuming white meat was associated with a higher risk of infection.

Living with children or elderly individuals was linked to a reduced likelihood of infection.

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most prevalent bacterial infections in humans, affecting more than half of the global population. It is a major contributor to gastric disorders among patients attending gastroenterology clinics. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the fecal prevalence and associated factors of Helicobacter pylori infection in adult patients with dyspepsia in Mogadishu, Somalia.

A cross-sectional investigation was conducted at Shaafi Hospital between February and June 2025, encompassing 385 adult patients with dyspepsia. Researchers employed structured questionnaires to collect sociodemographic data and Helicobacter pylori infection-associated factors. Helicobacter pylori fecal antigen was detected in stool samples using lateral flow immunochromatographic assay. Binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors involved. A statistical association between variables was recognized when the p-value was below 0.05, ensuring a 95% confidence level.

Out of 385 adult patients with dyspepsia examined, 40% (n = 154) tested positive for Helicobacter pylori infection. Bivariate analysis revealed several factors linked to the infection: residing with children or elderly individuals (OR = 0.447, p = 0.014), consuming unwashed fruits or vegetables (OR = 1.658, p = 0.017), and eating white meat (OR = 1.986, p = 0.001). However, in the multivariate analysis, only two factors remained significant: living with children or elderly people was associated with a reduced likelihood of infection (AOR = 0.471, p = 0.015), whereas consumption of white meat was associated with a higher risk of infection (AOR = 1.699, p = 0.019). Other factors, such as hygiene habits, income, education, and smoking, did not show statistically significant associations.

This study found a notable prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among adults with dyspepsia. Consumption of white meat was associated with an increased risk of infection, whereas living with children or elderly individuals appeared to provide some protection. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health strategies and suggest the need for further investigation into dietary and household factors that may influence Helicobacter pylori transmission.