Seroprevalence and associated factors of Helicobacter pylori infection among young adults in the West Bank, Palestine

Affecting an estimated 4.4 billion people globally, Helicobacter pylori is a major human pathogen and the leading cause of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of H. pylori and its associated factors among young adults in Palestine. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving a total of 415 university students. Data was collected from the recruited participants using a validated self-administered questionnaire and through serological testing for anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies via an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. The overall seroprevalence of H. pylori was 51.1% (95%CI: 46.2-56.0%). Although univariate analysis revealed significant associations between seropositivity and self-reported stomachache (P = 0.006) and weight loss (P = 0.030), a subsequent multivariate logistic regression model identified two independent associated factors. The analysis showed that infrequent handwashing before meals was significantly associated with a higher risk of infection (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.7; P = 0.047), as was the habit of eating unpeeled fruits (AOR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.4; P = 0.031). These findings indicate a high seroprevalence of H. pylori among young adult in Palestine and underscore the critical role of personal hygiene and food safety in its transmission. This study provides a foundation for developing targeted public health interventions to reduce the burden of H. pylori infection within this community and beyond.