Seroprevalence and the factors associated with Helicobacter pylori infection among adolescent students in Tiko municipality, Southwest region of Cameroon

Christian Bella Nchindia; Takamo Peter; Nicoline Fri Tanih; Seraphine Mojoko Eko; Eleonore Ngounou; Steve Elombo; Walters Ndaka; Hermann Ngouakam; Abdel Jelil Njouendou

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20263489

Authors

Christian Bella Nchindia Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.
Takamo Peter Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
Nicoline Fri Tanih Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
Seraphine Mojoko Eko Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
Eleonore Ngounou Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
Steve Elombo Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
Walters Ndaka Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
Hermann Ngouakam Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
Abdel Jelil Njouendou Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20263489

Keywords:

Sero-prevalence, Helicobacter pylori, Adolescents, Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori, a gram-negative oncogenic coccobacillus, and micro-aerophilic bacterium requires environments containing oxygen at a low partial pressure. Although many carrier individuals are asymptomatic, long-term exposure to this bacterium can contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of peptic ulcers, chronic gastritis and stomach cancers in adulthood.

Method: A school based cross-sectional study was carried among 180 adolescents chosen conveniently. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with this infection.

Results: The 180 participants were aged 17.27 ± 1.48 years on average. Of these, blood sample from 96 (53.3%) tested positive for H. pylori antibodies. Three factors were significantly associated with this sero-prevalence. Compared to individuals consuming 3-4 meals daily, those taking only 1-2 meals per day had approximately 2.5 times higher odds of infection (aOR= 2.48, 95% CI 1.347-4.588, p = 0.004). Participants using a pit toilet system had higher odds of infection relative to those using a flushing system (aOR = 1.93, 95% CI 1.042-3.597, p = 0.037). Additionally, alcohol consumption was associated with higher odds of H. pylori infection (aOR = 1.98, 95% CI 1.083-3.636, p = 0.027). Conclusion: H. pylori sero-prevalence was found to be high and associated with low dietary frequency, pit toilets use, and the consumption of alcohol. Hence, health interventions targeting nutrition, environmental sanitation, and behavioural change would contribute to reduce the risk of exposure of adolescent population to H. pylori infection.

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