Helicobacter Pylori and Related Risk Factors in Paktia, Afghanistan

Introduction: A recent research that examined data from 62 nations found that more than half of the world’s population is infected with Helicobacter pylori, According to geographical prevalence estimation, nearly 4. 4 billion persons were infected worldwide in 2015. This study was used to randomly select students enrolled in a university in Paktia province, Afghanistan, for the questionnaire survey. Material and Methods: Prevalence and characteristics of H. pylori infection: a total of 300 people were surveyed and their results showed that the prevalence of H. pylori infection was 41% (124/300) in a college in Paktia province, Afghanistan. Results and Discussion: Showed that H. pylori infection was associated with age, education, chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, frequent epigastric discomfort, frequent acid reflux, type of water consumed and vegetables consumed were related to each other with statistically significant differences (p 0.05). Regular consumption of rice (OR = 0.544, p = 0.019) was a protective factor against H. pylori infection and may reduce H. pylori infection to some extent. Conclusion: This study will further help to understand the current status, associated risk factors, prevention and intervention of H.pylori infection in related region.