Findings on the detection of Helicobacter infection among students of the nursing school in MNUMS

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection varies by geographic location, age, race, and socioeconomic status. Approximately 30% of the population in developed countries, about 70% of the population in developing countries, and around 50% of the global population are infected with Helicobacter pylori. While the prevalence is generally high in developing countries, it is lower in developed countries. Some studies conducted in our country have shown that the prevalence of this infection is high among students and young people. Therefore, we aimed to study the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among students. Aim: “We will study the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among the students of the School of Nursing at MNUMS and compare it with their social, demographic information and clinical symptoms. Materials and Methods: “The study was conducted using a cross-sectional quantitative research design and a random sampling method, involving a total of 62 first-year students from the School of Nursing between November 2023 and March 2024. A questionnaire including social, demographic information and clinical symptoms was used to assess the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection. Blood samples from the participants were tested for antibodies at the Onch Clinical Laboratory. Results: Among the 62 students who participated in our study, a majority 79.0% tested positive for Helicobacter pylori infection. When examining whether this infection was associated with age, gender, or specialty, it was found in 82.1% of those aged 18-20, 81.4% of females, and 87.5% of those studying in specialized programs. However, no statistically significant association was observed when compared to the non-infected group (p>0.05). In terms of clinical symptoms, stomach and epigastric pain was reported in 84.1%, unpleasant taste or bad breath in 88.6%, and occasional vomiting in 83.3% of those with Helicobacter pylori infection all of which were more prevalent in the infected group and showed statistically significant associations (p<0.05). Conclusion: Among the 62 participants in the study, the majority, 49 individuals (79.0%), tested positive for Helicobacter pylori infection. The group with Helicobacter pylori infection exhibited a higher prevalence of clinical symptoms, which showed a statistically significant association (p<0.05).