Prevalence and Predisposing Factors of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> Infection in Symptomatic Patients: A Multicenter Study in Ghana's Upper East Region

Background: infection and identify associated predisposing factors among dyspeptic patients in the Upper East Region of northern Ghana. Methods: infection. Results: infection was 65.8% (214/325), with the highest prevalence observed in patients within the age category 1-20 years (40.7%). Major predisposing factors included use of public toilets (57.0%), consumption of untreated water (66.4%), and rural residence (56.5%). Consumption of food from street vendors was associated with a 2.27-fold increased likelihood of infection (odds ratio [OR] = 2.27), whereas intake of fresh fruits and vegetables increased the risk by 4.81-fold (OR = 4.81). Patients from larger households (≥13 members) were at greater risk of infection compared with those from smaller households (1-6 members) (OR = 0.31). Conclusion: infection in Ghana's Upper East Region, which is strongly associated with poor sanitation and inadequate personal and food hygiene. Public health interventions aimed at improving sanitation, water quality, food safety, and living conditions are crucial for reducing transmission.