Gastritis in Northeast India and North India: A regional comparison of prevalence and associated risk factors

Background: Gastritis is one of the most prevalent disorders affecting individuals. Helicobacter pylori infection, along with other factors such as lifestyle, gender, alcohol drinking, and smoking are causes of gastritis. Northeast Indian population is geographically, ethnically, culturally, and linguistically a blend of its surrounding nations, being different from the North Indian population. The objective of the study was to predict the prevalence and risk factors of gastritis in Northeast India and compare it with North India. Methods: A total of 909 dyspeptic patients (Northeast India: 362 and North India: 547) were enrolled and had undergone endoscopy. H. pylori status was identified, determined, and genotyped. They were divided into gastritis and nongastritis samples based on the presence or absence of gastric ulcerations and erosion. The risk factors for gastritis in Northeast and North India were estimated with Chi-square analysis, odds ratios, and 95% confidence intervals using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of gastritis and H. pylori infection was higher in Northeast India than North India. The risk factors significantly associated with gastritis in Northeast region were H. pylori infection, increased smoking, and alcohol drinking and in North region were smoking and body mass index. Conclusion: Although our study found the risk factors associated with gastritis in Northeast India, the available data do not provide sufficient evidence. Further studies are recommended.