Prevalence of and risk factors for Helicobacter pylori infection in rural areas of Northwest China: A cross-sectional study in two villages of Yan'an city

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is related to the occurrence of various diseases, and its influencing factors have been studied worldwide. Research on the current status of H. pylori infection in underdeveloped rural areas in China is limited. Aim: This research aimed to understand the status of H. pylori infection and its risk factors in rural Yan'an city, Northwest China. Methods: This cross-sectional study was implemented in two villages in Yan'an city in 2018, and 226 individuals underwent the Carbon-14 urea breath test to detect H. pylori infection. Participants' demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, dietary habits, and lifestyle were collected through structured questionnaires. Results: In this research, the overall infection rate of H. pylori was 32.7% (74/226). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that people with a body mass index (BMI)≥24 kg/m2 (OR = 3.03; 95% CI = 1.65–5.57) and people who frequently dined out (OR = 8.87; 95% CI = 1.43–54.97) were more likely to be infected H. pylori. Conversely, the H. pylori infection risk was reduced among people over 60 years of age (OR = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.17–0.62) as well as among those who ate sweet potatoes more than 7 times a week (OR = 0.23; 95% CI = 0.07–0.75). Conclusion: A BMI≥24 kg/m2 and frequent eating out were risk factors for H. pylori infection among the village inhabitants of Yan'an city. The consumption of sweet potatoes was related to a low risk of H. pylori infection.