PREVALENCE OF HELICOBACTER-PYLORI ASSOCIATED GASTRITIS AMONG PATIENTS IN QUETTA DISTRICT, BALOCHISTAN

Abstract

Background: Since its first discovery in the early 1980s, the gram-negative bacterium Helicobacter pylori has attracted a lot of attention. Numerous gastrointestinal conditions, including peptic ulcers, chronic gastritis, and stomach malignancies, are linked to it. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection among Quetta residents.

Aims/Objectives: Estimating the prevalence of H pylori-associated gastritis in the District of Quetta, Balochistan, as well as identifying potential contributing demographic and socioeconomic factors, were the goals of this study.

Research Methodology: Patients from the Medicine and Gastroenterology Departments of Sandeman Provincial Hospital (SPH) and Bolan Medical Complex Hospital (BMCH), Quetta, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study between November 2024 and December 2024. The age, gender, and socioeconomic status of the respondents were recorded using a structured questionnaire. SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 24 was used to gather and evaluate statistical data.

Results: Each group comprised 250 patients. There were 152 (60.8%) female participants and 98 (39.2%) male participants out of the 250 total. Because more female participants—62.5%—had the infection than male participants (40.8%), the female proportion was higher than the male percentage. The age range of 41–50 years old had the highest prevalence, at 68.2 percent. Every client tested positive for H. pylori-associated gastritis across all socioeconomic categories.

Conclusion: In Quetta, a high proportion of patients tested positive for H. pylori, which has social correlations with susceptibility by age, gender, and socioeconomic status. To address this health issue, public health measures must embrace sanitation, education, and health systems.