Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Sari Northern Iran; a population based study

AIM: In this study prevalence rate of Helicobacter pylori and its associated factors have been investigated in urban and rural areas of Sari. BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori has an important role in gastrointestinal diseases including peptic ulcer and gastric cancer. It is the most common infection in human population worldwide. Hence, the epidemiology of this infection in all parts of the world is of utmost importance. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 497 individuals ranging 15-65 years of age in Sari city and its surrounding rural residents. The sampling method was a cluster random sampling multi staged in stratified population by urban and rural areas. Questionnaires for personal and socio-economic data were filled. Blood samples were drawn and kept for analysis (IgG antibody ELISA for Helicobacter pylori). The data was analyzed by SPSS statistical software and Chi-square test and logistic regression were used. RESULTS: The prevalence of helicobacter infection was 44.5% in the studied population. This prevalence was 41.3% and 47.8% in urban and rural areas, respectively. Just a significant association between the infection and the age of subjects was observed in multiple regression analysis (p=0.001). However, in univariate analysis the level of education was also significantly associated with Helicobacter pylori infection (p=0.015). No other variable was associated with the infection. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of helicobacter infection has dropped significantly in the region in comparison with the previous studies during the last 15 years.