Prevalence and Risk Factors of Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Asymptomatic Sudanese Population: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Helicobacter pylori infections are a global problem, and constitute a known cause of gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric malignancies; they are also implicated in extra intestinal diseases, such as chronic urticarial and peripheral arterial disease. This study aims to determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infections in asymptomatic individuals, and to estimate the risk factors of the infection. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Kassala Military Hospital in Sudan. A convenience sample of healthy individuals was used; 237 people were checked for eligibility. The individuals who were included to participate in the study consisted of healthy individuals, hospital staff, blood donors, and females arriving to receive antenatal care. A questionnaire was used to record the socio-demographics of the participants. Helicobacter pylori antibodies were detected in their blood by a rapid chromatographic immunoassay. Results: Of the 207 participants, 92 (44.4%) were male and 115 (55.6%) were female. The prevalence of the Helicobacter pylori infection was 48.1%, and was significantly associated with the water source (p = 0.02) of the participant and whether they shared a bed with their siblings during childhood (p = 0.016). There was no association found between the Helicobacter pylori infection and sanitation methods, gender, employment status, number of rooms in a dwelling, or level of education. Conclusion: The prevalence of the Helicobacter pylori infection was 48.1%, and the infection was significantly associated with the source of water and childhood sleeping arrangements