Distribution of Helicobacter pylori infection and abnormal body- mass index (BMI) in a developing country

INTRODUCTION: Helicobacter pylori is prevalent in developing nations. We determined the prevalence of H. pylori infection in relation to body-mass index (BMI) of dyspeptic patients and related comorbid conditions. METHODOLOGY: In a cross-sectional study, dyspeptic patients were enrolled and tested for H. pylori infection. "Underweight" was defined as BMI lower than 18.4; "Healthy" 18.5 to 23; "Overweight" 23.1-27.9; and "Obese" greater than 28. RESULTS: Six hundred and ninety-eight patients were included, with a mean age of 44 ± 16 years. Males were 373/698, 53%. H. pylori was positive in 399/698, 57%. Underweight were 36 (5%); BMI-healthy 168 (24%); overweight 236 (34%) and obese 258 (37%). H. pylori infection was present in 65/273 BMI-healthy patients ; 24% compared to obese 208/273; 76% (P 23.1 (OR 2.91, 95% CI infection. 2.01-4.20), and type 2 diabetes (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.43-4.06) were risk factors for H. pylori. CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori infection was prevalent in the 31-50-year age group. Abnormal BMI was associated with H. pylori infection.