Global prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among individuals with obesity: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and AimsModern populations are prone to obesity, as sedentary lifestyles prevail globally. Previous research has shown that obesity and Helicobacter pylori are mutually associated. However, the global prevalence of H. pylori among individuals with obesity is not yet determined. MethodsA comprehensive search will be conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science online databases for studies that have reported the prevalence of H. pylori infection among individuals with obesity. Cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies will be included if reported sufficient data. Records screening, data extraction, and quality assessment will be done by independent reviewers. Joanna Bridge Institute checklist for prevalence studies will be used to appraise the included studies. Prevalence will be pooled using random effect models. Heterogeneity will be quantified by I-2 and p value. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression will be utilized to address the sources of residual between-study heterogeneity. DiscussionUnderstanding the regional and global occurrence of H. pylori infection in individuals with obesity can provide valuable insights for health policymakers and clinicians to devise proficient diagnostic and eradication strategies, thereby enhancing postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing bariatric surgery. The study's strength will lie in not being restricted to language and time of publication, comprehensive investigation of regional and pre- and posteradication estimates, and the effects of time trends and sociodemographic indices on H. pylori prevalence. However, potential heterogeneity in methodologies used across prevalence studies could affect the interpretation of the results. Additionally, the study relies on previously published studies, limiting data quality and completeness.