Sero Prevalence of H. Pylori Infection Among Students of Abrar University in Mogadishu-somalia.

Background: The bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most prevalent infections globally. A systematic review conducted recently indicated that half of the entire world population is infected by it. The situation is worse in developing countries, such as Somalia. Thus, this study sought to establish the SERO-PREVALENCE of H. PYLORI among students of Abrar University in Mogadishu, Somalia. Method: Cross-Sectional Study Design was carried out on students from Abrar University in the period of January 2022 to June 2022. The total number of students recruited for the study was 150. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was developed and used to collect the required data. For specimen collection and identification from students, simple random sampling was applied. In the above process, 3 to 5 mL of venous blood sample was obtained. After 5 minutes of centrifugation, serum was taken and utilized for a H. pylori serological test. Data was captured in the computer, coded and analyzed by SPSS 20 software. Results: A total of 150 interviews were sought. The average age of the respondent was 20 years. H. pylori infection sero prevalence was 84 (56.4%). Risk increasing factors include: the ‘eating of spicy food’ (AOR 1.33: 95% CI = (2.203–80.692)), the length of sleep at night (AOR 0.011: 95 % CI= (0.001 – 0.110)), and Gender (AOR = 11.236, 95 % CI = 1.921–65.73) was one of the variables significantly associated with H. pylori. Conclusion: Sero-prevalence for h. pylori infection was found to be high among students of Abrar University. This study aims to contribute to the authorities in the health sector where the findings will help in availing adequate measures to combat the H. pylori infection. Of particular importance, all the confirmed cases of infection with H. pylori must be treated in what is washing able and dry with contact, and provision of enough clean water to the students is highly critical in the prevention of the spread.