Prevalence and associated risk factors of helicobacter pyroli infections among the patients attending ROTOM Hospital, Muhanga in Rukiga District

Abstract

Helicobacter Pylori is a spiral gram-negative pathogenic bacterium causing inflammation of the stomach tissues leading to gastric ulcers. H. pylori are associated with cause of gastric cancer proven through a variety studies. Higher prevalence in developing countries and over 50% worldwide causes global public health problem throughout life. The study aimed at determining the prevalence and associated risk factors of H. pylori infections among patients attending ROTOM Hospital, Muhanga in Rukiga district. Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted for patients attending ROTOM Hospital Muhanga in Rukiga district from December 2024 to March 2025 and data obtained was analysed stata. Results: In a total of 379 participants included in the study, among them, 221 (58.3%) tested positive, and 158 (41.7%) tested negative for H pylori infections. Female participants (143) had many cases of H pylori infections indicating 59.7% almost the same with males presenting 59.1 % (78 cases) of H pylori infections. The highest prevalence was among (6079) age group having 79 cases (69.3%,), age group 20-39 with 41cases (56.2%), then 40-59 age group with 38 cases (46.9%) and lastly those with ≤ 19 years with 29 cases (43.3%). Conclusion: Prevalence was 58.3% which was high meaning a certain high percentage of population is afflicted with H. pylori infections, a serious public health concern that can lead to a variety of gastrointestinal problems. Therefore, healthcare workers could provide health education on the aforementioned risk factors, the government and other stakeholders could improve the source of drinking water in the area. The need for further studies to a better understanding of the epidemiology of H. pylori infection, which is helpful in diagnosis and prevention of diseases.