Publication Details
Abstract
Objective: This cross-sectional study sought to determine the demographic distribution and prevalence of active H. pylori infection in symptomatic cases in Wasit Province, Iraq. Method: A cross-sectional study of 140 patients with symptoms visiting Al-Zahraa Teaching Hospital, Wasit Province, Iraq, was carried out. The H. pylori Stool Antigen Test was used to analyse stool samples. The participants were divided into genders and age groups, and associations between demographic variables and infection were tested with the Chi-square test. Results: A total of 140 patients were examined, 48 of which were positive for H. pylori, with an overall prevalence of 34.29%. There was a slight male-to-female predominance (35.42% vs. 31.82%). The highest prevalence was seen in patients <15 years of age (38.89%), followed by those 15–45 years of age (33.33%) and those >45 years (30.00%) when analysed by age groups. There was no difference between infection status and gender (χ² = 0.17, df = 1, p = 0.68) or age groups (χ² = 0.53, df = 2, p = 0.77). Novelty: This study provides epidemiological evidence on the demographic distribution and prevalence of active Helicobacter pylori infection among symptomatic patients in Wasit Province, Iraq, using a non-invasive stool antigen test.