Prevalence and Associated Factors of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> in Dyspeptic Patients at a Shiraz Outpatient Clinic (2022 - 2023)

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is a major underlying cause of dyspepsia; however, its regional prevalence and associations with symptoms remain underexplored in southern Iran. Objectives: This study evaluated the prevalence of H. pylori infection and associated factors among patients with dyspepsia using the urea breath test (UBT). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 145 adults with dyspepsia underwent the carbon-13 urea breath test (13C-UBT) at Motahari Clinic in Shiraz, Iran, during 2022 - 2023. Data on demographic characteristics, symptoms, medication use, and medical history were collected. Results: The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 47.6% (95% CI, 39% - 55%). Nausea was independently associated with infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.174; 95% CI, 1.050 - 4.500; P = 0.037), whereas diarrhea approached statistical significance (aOR = 3.154; 95% CI, 0.902 - 11.028; P = 0.072). Occupation was also a significant predictor of infection, with employed participants having 5.979-fold higher odds of positivity (95% CI, 1.267 - 28.22; P = 0.024) than those in the reference occupational category. Conclusions: Nausea and occupational status were independently associated with H. pylori infection. These findings may help identify patients with dyspepsia who could benefit from targeted H. pylori testing; however, larger studies are needed to validate these associations.