Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Peptic Ulcer Disease Among Dyspeptic Patients at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital: A Retrospective study conducted from February to September 2024.

Background: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a global problem with a lifetime risk ranging from 5% to 10%. While mortality and morbidity from PUD have declined in high-income countries with advances in medical therapy targeting Helicobacter pylori, the challenge of PUD remains high in low and middle-income countries like Tanzania. This study assessed the prevalence of PUD and H. pylori infection among patients who presented with dyspepsia at Mbeya zonal referral hospital, a consultant and teaching hospital in the Southern Highland, Tanzania. Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted from February to September 2024 at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, analyzing data from dyspeptic patients who underwent endoscopy and H. pylori stool antigen testing. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for factors associated with PUD. Results: The study enrolled 145participants (mean age 45.4±19.8 years) of which, 30.3% had PUD (mean age was 53.2±18.9 years), and 43.2% of PUD cases tested positive for H. pylori . The odds of suffering from PUD were significantly higher among participants aged ≥ 40 years (adjusted OR 2.8, 95%CI;1.19-6.61, p=0.018) and those with H. pylori infection (adjusted OR 2.5, 95%CI;1.14-5.39, p=0.022). Notably 69.8% of H. pylori positive patients did not return for clearance testing. Conclusion: PUD affected almost a third of dyspeptic patients, with old age and H. pylori mostly associated with risk for PUD. Low follow-up rates for clearance testing highlight the need for enhanced screening, treatment, andsanitation efforts to reduce PUD burden.