Basha Ayele and Eshetu Molla
Dyspepsia is a common symptom of gastrointestinal disease with global distribution. The prevalence of this disorder varies between 3% and 40%. Dyspeptic symptoms account 10% of hospital admissions in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine the contributing factors for dyspepsia at Yirga cheffe primary hospital, Southern Ethiopia.: A case control study design was conducted between July 6, 2016 and August 10, 2016 on a total of 168 patients at Yirga cheffe primary hospital, South Ethiopia. The Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) stool antigen test was used to analyze the stool samples and a face to face interview was taken to assess other contributing factors for the infection. Ethical clearance and informed consents was obtained before data collection. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratio (adjusted with 95% confidence interval) of positive responses to the different risk factors. Comparisons between groups were assessed with chi-square test and a P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Helicobacter pylori antigen was detected in 13 of the 168. Helicobacter pylori infection was six times more associated with dyspeptic patients than non-Dyspeptic individuals. Anxiety and depression was six and three times more likely associated with dyspepsia, respectively. Although dyspepsia was greater among male, and peaked in the age groups of 21-30 years old, the association was not statistically significant. Moreover, patients who consume foods containing peppercorn (“key wot”) have high chance of developing Dyspepsia. Study subjects who depend on untapped drinking water sources, treating their drinking water, smoking habit, chewing khat, washing their hand with soap, and their toilet with flush tank were not significantly associated with dyspepsia (P>0.05). Thus, early diagnosis of H. pylori, psychological treatment of patients and food habit of the individuals should give attention to prevent and control Dyspepsia even though additional studies need to be conducted.