Prevalence, risk factors, and endoscopic findings among individuals infected with Helicobacter pylori in Tanzania: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is prevalent and is the known cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, lymphoma, and gastric cancer in humans. Studies in Tanzania have documented prevalences, risk factors, and endoscopic findings of H. pylori infection. This systematic review and meta-analysis report the prevalence, risk factors, and endoscopic findings of H. pylori infection in Tanzania. We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Scopus for studies published from 2000 to April 30, 2024, following the Preferred Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the studies. The I2 test statistic was used to assess heterogeneity among studies using the random-effects model while funnel plot used to identify publication bias. Stata 15 was used to calculate the pooled prevalence and odds ratios for factors associated with H. pylori, along with 95% confidence intervals. Fifteen studies were included and, a total of 6276 participants were included in the final analysis with the pooled prevalence of 54.3% (95% CI: 38.4–69.7). Based on regional prevalence estimates, the highest prevalence was observed in Mara (92.01%; 95% CI: 89.90–93.70). The odds of having H. pylori were significantly higher in diabetic patients compared to hypertensive patients. (OR: 2.34 (95%CI: -1.91–6.59). A decreasing trend over time was noted, as indicated by the studies conducted between 2003 and 2014 (prevalence: 67.19%; 95% CI: 24.35–97.35) and 2015–2024 (prevalence: 36.01%; 95% CI: 25.6–47.12), respectively. The highest infection risk was observed among individuals with gastric or duodenal ulcers (pooled prevalence: 57.90%; 95% CI: 19.01–92.01). H. pylori infection is highly prevalent in Tanzania, with endoscopic findings in dyspeptic patients frequently including duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, and gastric cancer. In light of this high burden, targeted government interventions such as screening, eradication programs, and public health education campaigns are warranted to reduce infection rates. Furthermore, additional research on the geospatial distribution of H. pylori and community awareness of preventive measures is essential. Not applicable.