Factors Affecting Helicobacter Pylori Infection: Diet and Lifestyle Patterns

This cross-sectional observational study aims to determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection among Information Technology (IT) professionals working in Hyderabad, India, and to identify dietary, lifestyle, occupational, and clinical factors associated with infection. H. pylori is a common bacterial infection of the stomach and is an important cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and gastric cancer. Approximately 1,000 eligible IT professionals will be enrolled from participating IT companies using stratified random sampling. Participants will complete a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, dietary habits, occupational factors, gastrointestinal symptoms, lifestyle factors, medical history, and recent medication use. Active H. pylori infection will be determined using the carbon-14 (C14) urea breath test performed at the workplace under standardized conditions. The study will estimate the prevalence of H. pylori infection in this occupational group and evaluate whether factors such as outside food consumption, office-delivered meals, restaurant dining, street food intake, work schedules, and lifestyle habits are associated with infection. The findings may help identify modifiable risk factors and contribute to the development of workplace health promotion and preventive strategies for IT professionals.