Urea Breath Test-Detected Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection, Awareness, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms Among University Students in Korce, Albania: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Contemporary data on active Helicobacter pylori infection among university students in Albania are limited. This study estimated urea breath test (UBT)-detected prevalence and described awareness, self-reported knowledge, gastrointestinal symptoms, and previous healthcare engagement. Methods: A cross-sectional study during 2023–2025 combined questionnaire data and interpretable UBT results from 390 consenting students aged ≥18 years in academic years I–IV in Korce, Albania. Prevalence was reported with a Wilson 95% confidence interval (CI); questionnaire percentages used item-specific valid-response denominators. Selected characteristics were described by UBT status without hypothesis testing. Results: UBT was positive in 107/390 students, giving a prevalence of 27.4% (95% CI 23.2–32.1%). Women comprised 321/390 (82.3%) participants. Overall, 209/385 (54.3%) had heard of H. pylori, 155/353 (43.9%) reported knowing associated diseases, and 152/363 (41.9%) reported knowing a transmission mode. School and health professionals were the leading reported information sources. Previous testing was reported by 21/388 (5.4%), and stomach problems by 77/377 (20.4%). Moderate-or-greater symptom severity was most frequently reported for bloating sensation (54/378, 14.3%) and abdominal distension (54/380, 14.2%). None of six previously treated respondents with valid historical retesting information reported a test of cure. Extreme-case sensitivity estimates among 420 consenting students ranged from 25.5% to 32.6%. Conclusions: Approximately one in four tested students had evidence of current H. pylori infection. The findings identify potential needs for university health education and continuity from diagnosis to confirmation of eradication. They do not represent national prevalence or establish the effectiveness of screening. Outcomes after the study diagnosis were not assessed; prospective treatment and test-of-cure follow-up is needed.