PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS.

Povzetek

Background: Helicobacter pylori is a prevalent gastrointestinal pathogen that has been linked to gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric malignancies. University students are especially susceptible as they are prone to poor hygiene, stress, and unhealthy eating habits. It is important to detect prevalence and risk factors early to prevent them.

Objectives: To establish the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in university students and the demographic, lifestyle, and environmental risk factors.

Methodology: This retrospective study conducted at department of Gastroenterology MTI LRH Peshawar from jan 2022 to jan 2023.comprised 100 university students aged 18-30 years with a simple random sampling method. Regarding demographics, hygiene, diet, and gastrointestinal symptoms, the structured questionnaire was selected as the method of data collection. The stool antigen test was used to identify infection. SPSS version 25 was used to carry out the statistical analysis with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests with p < 0.05 as the significance level.

Results :The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 46%. Hostel residents had significantly higher infection rates (58%) compared to day scholars (34%). Key risk factors included poor hygiene (p = 0.03), street food consumption (p = 0.02), and hostel residence (p = 0.01). Common symptoms among infected students were epigastric pain (48%), nausea (35%), and bloating (30%). No significant association was observed with age or gender (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: H. pylori infection is extremely common among university students, and it has a close relationship with lifestyle and environmental factors that can be modified. Specialized measures such as hygiene, safe food, and early screening can be suggested to decrease the disease burden.