ABSTRACT

Helicobacter pylori infection has been identified as an important risk factor for the development of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and gastric cancers. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection and associated risk factors in undergraduate students of the Faculty of Art, Law and Social Sciences in University of Benin. Whole blood samples were randomly collected from 75 participants both male and female and analyzed using antibodies against H. pylori. Participants' demographic and clinical information were obtained using a structured questionnaire. The study results showed that out of 75 selected participants, 41(54.7) showed positive for H. pylori antibodies, while 34(45.3) were negative for Helicobacter antibodies. Popularity of Helicobacter pylori infection was found to be slightly higher in female participants compared with male participants. Based on age, the prevalence of H. pylori infection was significantly higher in participants from 16 to 25 years old compared to other age groups. Symptomatic participants primarily complained of heartburn, followed by loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating and eventually vomiting. However, none of them complained about vomiting blood. Identifiable risk factors associated with infection include misuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, infected drinking water, living with someone having the bacteria among others. The information generated will help provide the public health intervention needed to examine these issues and provide evidence-based prevention to students in the University.