A 2022 community-based study in southwest Ethiopia explored potential links between Helicobacter pylori infection, dyspepsia, and depression in residents aged 13 years and older.
Among the 871 participants – most of whom were married, had no formal education, and lived in rural areas – around 11% showed signs of probable depression. The prevalence was slightly higher (13%) among those experiencing at least one symptom of dyspepsia. Interestingly, in this study, H. pylori infection alone was not linked to higher depression rates, nor were age or gender.
The findings suggest digestive symptoms may increase the risk of depression, highlighting the importance of addressing both mental and gut health when managing gastrointestinal symptoms.
Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0275424
Reference
Soboka, M., Gudina, E. K., Gashaw, M., Amare, H., Berhane, M., Desalegn, H., Tewolde, D., Jebena, M. G., Ali, S., Wieser, A., Froeschl, G., & Tesfaye, M. (2022). Depression among people with dyspepsia and H. pylori infection: A community based cross-sectional study in Ethiopia. PloS one, 17(10), e0275424.