Patients with H. pylori infection and dyspepsia symptoms exhibited a higher occurrence of possible cases of depression.

A cross-sectional investigation was conducted to determine any possible connections between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, dyspepsia, and depression.

In this community-based study, 871 rural and urban residents (≥13 years of age) were assessed utilizing the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression and a structured case reporting format for dyspepsia symptoms. Participants also underwent serology and stool antigen tests to detect H. pylori infection. To assess the relationship between depression, dyspepsia, and H. pylori infection, a multivariate logistic regression was utilized after controlling for possible confounders.

The incidence of PHQ-9 values indicating a possible case of depression among all individuals was 10.9%. Patients with at least one dyspepsia symptom had a 13.3% (X2 = 15.1) prevalence of probable cases of depression, whereas patients with H. pylori infection had an 11.9% (X2 = 1.23) prevalence. Notably, 14.9% (X2 = 3.6) of patients who had used heartburn medicines over the previous 30 days had possible cases of depression.

Dyspepsia symptoms like nausea ([adjusted odds ratio] aOR = 1.71), postprandial fullness (aOR = 1.70), epigastric discomfort (aOR = 2.59), and frequent belching (aOR = 0.53) were linked to possible cases of depression. Age, gender, and H. pylori test positivity, however, were not linked to possible cases of depression.

H. pylori infection and dyspepsia symptoms (like nausea, postprandial fullness, and epigastric pain) were linked to a higher risk of depression.