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Chronic abdominal complaints and Helicobacter pylori in a Haitian population

Sharon C Kiely, Dana M Grzybicki, Antonia Sepulveda

    Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
    |July 16, 2004
    PubMed

    Insights

    Helicobacter pylori gastritis was common in rural Haiti, but malignancy was rare. Demographic and clinical factors did not reliably predict diagnoses in patients with chronic abdominal pain.

    Area of Science:

    • Gastroenterology
    • Epidemiology
    • Internal Medicine

    Background:

    • Chronic abdominal pain is a common complaint in rural populations.
    • Helicobacter pylori infection is a significant factor in upper gastrointestinal diseases.
    • Understanding disease associations in underrepresented populations is crucial.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate demographic, clinical, and pathological factors linked to chronic abdominal pain.
    • To determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and malignancy in rural Haiti.
    • To explore associations between clinical presentation and endoscopic findings.

    Main Methods:

    • Esophagogastroduodenoscopy with targeted biopsies was performed on 104 patients.
    • Statistical analysis using the chi-square test identified significant associations (p ≤ 0.05).
    • Data collected included patient demographics, clinical symptoms, and pathological results.

    Main Results:

    • Helicobacter pylori infection was detected in 62% of biopsied patients.
    • Significant associations found between chest complaints and esophageal disease.
    • Female gender correlated with benign esophageal disease, and chronic active gastritis with H. pylori.
    • Malignancy was rare, with only one case identified.

    Conclusions:

    • Helicobacter pylori gastritis is highly prevalent in this Haitian population, while malignancy is uncommon.
    • Demographic and clinical variables have limited predictive value for pathological diagnoses.
    • Further research is needed to explore other factors, such as the 'African enigma,' influencing disease progression.

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