Uninvestigated dyspepsia and associated factors of patients with gastrointestinal disorders in Dessie Referral Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Dyspepsia is a common problem in the community and clinical practice with symptom(s) considered arising from the gastroduodenal region. Dyspepsia burden and associated factors vary from country to country. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of uninvestigated dyspepsia (UD) using Rome III criteria, associated risk factors and self-reported dyspepsia symptoms' correlation with H. pylori infection. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 318 out patients with gastrointestinal complaints during the period from September 1 to December 30, 2015. All patients completed a questionnaire for collecting data regarding sociodemographic, lifestyle and functional gastrointestinal disorders. Diagnosis of dyspepsia was made according to the Rome III criteria. H. pylori infection was assessed using stool antigen test. SPSS version 20.0 statistical software package was used for data analysis. RESULTS: From a total of 318 patients, 48.4% had UD according to Rome III criteria; with 42.1% symptoms of epigastric pain/burning, 26.1% postprandial fullness and 22.6% early satiation. Epigastric pain/burning (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.07-3.43), early satiation (AOR = 2.68, 95% CI 1.38-5.20) and belching (AOR = 4.7, 95% CI 1.54-14.40) were significantly correlated with H. pylori infection. H. pylori infection (AOR = 4.33, 95% CI 2.41-7.76) and aspirin/NSAIDs consumption (AOR = 5.29, 95% CI 2.82-9.93) were independent risk factors for UD. However, consumption of raw fruits/ vegetables at least once a week (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.24-0.98) and taking two or more cups of tea a day (AOR = 0.339, 95% CI 0.17-0.70) were inversely associated with UD. CONCLUSIONS: UD is highly prevalent among adults with gastrointestinal complaints. H. pylori infection is significantly associated with UD and correlates with its symptoms. Individuals with epigastric pain/burning, early satiation and belching should be primary focus of H. pylori infection diagnosis and treatment. The role of consumption of tea, raw fruits and vegetables on dyspepsia needs further large scale study.