Related factors for Helicobacter pylori infection among officers and soldiers along the Sichuan-Tibetan route

Abstract

Objective To investigate the status of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in officers and soldiers on the Sichuan-Tibet route and to explore the related factors. Methods A self-made electronic questionnaire was used to investigate the factors associated with H. pylori infection in 594 officers and soldiers at an altitude of 3 300 m, and 513 officers and soldiers at an altitude of 550 m on the Sichuan-Tibet route from July to December, 2022. 13C urea breath test was used to detect H. pylori infection. The factors associated with the infection were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. Results Among the 1 107 subjects, 414 were positive to H. pylori, with a detection rate of 37.3%. The detection rate of H. pylori was significantly higher among the subjects at high altitude than those at low altitude (43.4% vs 30.4%, P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that residence at high altitude, dining together, and having symptoms of bloating and acid reflux were factors associated with H. pylori detection (P<0.05). In these officers and soldiers, 38.8% of them had complete unawareness of the transmission route and pathogenicity of H. pylori and other related knowledge. Conclusion The rate of H. pylori infection is quite higher among the officers and soldiers stationing at high altitude, and they have low awareness of H. pylori. Residence at high altitude, dining together, and having symptoms of bloating and acid reflux are factors associated with the detection of H. pylori.

Keywords

• helicobacter pylori
• positive rate
• related factors
• plateau region