CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY:

Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects
millions of people worldwide (Chey et al., 2017). The prevalence of gastritis among students is a
growing concern, as it can lead to significant morbidity and impact academic performance (Ford et
al., 2017). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), gastrointestinal disorders, including
gastritis, are prevalent worldwide and can be influenced by various factors such as diet, stress, and
infections (WHO, 2021).UNICEF highlights the role of nutrition in adolescent health. Poor dietary
habits, which may include high consumption of processed foods and low intake of fruits and
vegetables, can contribute to gastrointestinal issues like gastritis (UNICEF, 2022). Stress and anxiety
are known risk factors for gastritis; thus, addressing mental health in schools is crucial for preventing
such conditions (UNO, 2023). In North America, a study conducted in the United States found that
the prevalence of gastritis among college students was 22.1% (Lieberman et al., 2018). Similarly, in
Canada, a study reported that the prevalence of gastritis among university students was 25.6%
(Kumar et al., 2019).In Europe, a study conducted in the United Kingdom found that the prevalence
of gastritis among students was 18.2% (Ford et al., 2017). In France, a study reported that the
prevalence of gastritis among university students was 21.1% (Lapalus et al., 2018).In Asia, study
conducted in China found that the prevalence of gastritis among college students was 24.5% (Wang
et al., 2019). In Japan, a study reported that the prevalence of gastritis among university students was
20.5% (Matsushima et al., 2019). %. In Cameroon Journal of Health Sciences indicated that there is
a notable prevalence of gastritis among adolescents due to dietary habits influenced by cultural
practices and socioeconomic factors. The report highlighted that many adolescents consume diets
high in carbohydrates but low in essential nutrients which could predispose them to gastric issues. In
Cameroon, helicobacter pylori is at 52.2% using the stool antigen test, in north west 92.2% to
64.34% of helicobacter pylori have been reported.

On the other hand non infectious is characterized by inflamtion of the gastric mucosa not caused by
infectious agent.globally studies have shown that adolecents and students are more susceptible to
GIT infectiodue to life style and 10-20% have suffered due to consumption of processed
food(nguedia et al 2020).in cameroonthe study has not been extensively studied(smith 2018) At St.

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Pius X Tatum specifically, preliminary surveys suggest that students may experience higher rates of
gastritis symptoms due to a combination of dietary habits prevalent within the community and stress
related to academic pressures. Local healthcare providers have noted an increase in consultations
regarding gastrointestinal complaints among secondary school students over recent years.

The background is very shallow…….

You are want to work with both infections and non-infections but you have not said much about the
two types and how they differe from each others as well as some associated risk factors

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Globally, gastritis affects millions, with varying prevalence rates influenced by factors such as diet,
stress levels, and access to healthcare. A systematic review published in 2021 indicated that the
global prevalence of gastritis ranges from 10% to 50%, depending on geographic location and
population studied (Kumar et al., 2021). The condition is often under diagnosed due to non specific
symptoms that may overlap with other gastrointestinal disorders. Gastritis. In Africa, studies have
shown that gastritis is prevalent but often underreported due to limited healthcare access and
diagnostic facilities. A study conducted in Nigeria found that approximately 30% of adolescents
reported symptoms consistent with gastritis (Ogunleye et al., 2020). Contributing factors include
dietary habits, high-stress environments related to academic pressures, and inadequate healthcare
resources.

Despite these organizations(WHO,UNICE,MINSANTE)’ addressing health issues related to

gastritis, there exists a gap in localized data specific to secondary school students While WHO
provides broad guidelines applicable globally, there may be a lack of tailored interventions that
consider local dietary habits and cultural practices affecting student health. Additionally, while
UNICEF focuses on nutrition broadly within child development frameworks, specific studies
targeting adolescent populations are limited. This gap indicates a need for more focused research on
how nutritional deficiencies or excesses directly relate to gastritis prevalence among students.
Furthermore, although MINSANTE has initiated public health programs to inform the population
about the transmission rout like campaign programs,(abdulahil et al 2023)

During the researchers internship at St Pius x Medicalised health center she found out that many
student who come for consultaion and where diagnosed of helicobacter pylori where tested positive
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and decided to carry out a research since it is a dormitory school and faecal oral transmission can be
common

MAIN RESEARCH QUESTION.

What is the prevalence of gastritis among students of St Pius X Secondary school Tatum

1.2.1 SPECIFIC RESEARCH QUESTION

 What is the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori associated gastritis among students of St Pius
X Secondary School Tatum.
 What is the pre disposing factor of Helicobacter pylori associated gastritis among students of
St Pius X Secondary School Tatum.
 What is the prevalence of non-infectious gastritis among students of St Pius X Secondary
School Tatum.
 What are the pre disposing factor of non-infectious gastritis among students of St Pius X
Secondary School Tatum

1.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

1.3.1 MAIN RESEARCH OBJECTIVE.

To determine the prevalence of gastritis among students of St Pius X Secondary School Tatum.

1.3.2SPECIFIC RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

 To describe the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori associated gastritis among students of St

Pius X Secondary School Tatum.
 To determine the pre disposing factor of Helicobacter pylori associated gastritis among
students of St Pius X Secondary School Tatum.
 To describe the prevalence of non-infectious gastritis among students of St Pius X Secondary
School Tatum.
 To determine the pre disposing factor of non-infectious gastritis among students of St Pius X
Secondary School Tatum

1.5 DEFINITION OF TERMS

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GASTRITIS: Gastritis is a disease which results from an inflammation of the gastric mucosa It is
characterized by pain, swelling, and irritation of the mucosal membrane of the stomach. Moreover, it
manifested by a sign and symptom such as nausea, vomiting, dull pain, discomfort in the upper
abdomen, feeling of fullness, and loss of appetite

HELICOBACTER PYLORI: It is a gram negative rod helically shaped bacteria that lives in the
mucous layer above the gastric epithelia where it is buffered or protected from highly acidic
environment of the stomach.

NON INFECTIOUS GASTRITIS:

It inflammation of the stomach lining caused by factors other than infectious agent such as use of
medications especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohol, stress etc.

PREVALENCE:the number of people that has a particular disease condition present in a population
at a specific time

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 CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.0 INTRODUCTION

This chapter will focus on the study design, study area, study population, sampling technique, sample
size, instrument validity and reliability method of data analysis and protection of human right
(ethical consideration)

3.1 STUDY DESIGN: the study design will be a descriptive quantitative cross sectional study
design.

3.2 STUDY AREA: the study will be carried out at st Pius X Secondary School Tatum found in
Nkum subdivision,north West Region of Cameroon It is under Kumbo East health destrict . The St
Pius X Secondary School Tatum is found in a zone called Tatum II precisely in the Rokim quarter. it
is bounded to the southbyDzeng health area ,to the East by Ngehndzen health area ,to the west by
Nkumkov health area and to the north my kakar health area. St pius X secondary school is suitable
because it is a dormitory school and can be easily transmitted my sharing utensils.

3.3 STUDY POPULATION: The study population will be students of St Pius X Tatumwho will
give their consent.

3.4 SAMPLING TECHNIQUE AND PRCEDURE:

A random sampling technique .in which the students will be selected randomly .Stool will be
collected in screw capped bottle from every student who give in their consent.

3.5 SAMPLE SIZE:

Sample size calculation will be done using the Cochran formula

Z 2 pq ¿ ¿2
e

3.6 INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

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3.6.1 INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Only students of St Pius X Secondary School Tatum will be included if they are present at that time
of collection.

3.6.2 EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Students of of St Pius X Secondary School Tatum who were present and did not give in their consent
will be excluded.

3.7 ETHICAL CONSIDERATION

An authorized later will be obtained from school (CSHSS), Mayor, Divisional officer, principal of
the school and orientation will be done followed by specimen collection from students who give their
consent. Confidentiality will be strictly mentioned ( by Coding ).

3.8 DATA INSTRUMENT, ADMINISTRATION AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATION

3.8.1 DATA INSTRUMENT

A well-structured questionnaire will be used for data collection.

3.8.2 STATISTICAL CONSIDERATION.

Data will be collected and presented on bar charts in excel and analyzed using SPSS.

3.9 SPECIMENT COLLECTION AND PROCEDURE, QUALITY CONTROL AND SAFETY

3.9.1 SPECIMENT COLLECTION AND PROCEDURE:

 The test kid will be removed from the pouch.

 About 10g of stool was added into the buffer and mixed
 Three drops of mixture were placed into the sample path and allow for 10minutes.
 After 10 minutes the results were read

3.9.2 QUALITY CONTROL: It will be done by taking the positive and negative sample and texted
on the H pylori cassette