Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Helicobacter Pylori Infection Among Children in South-East Nigeria

Background: Helicobacter pylori is a common cause of infection among humans. The organism is usually acquired in childhood but may persist into adulthood resulting in chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and adenocarcinoma. Aim: To determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of H. pylori infection among children seen at the Paediatric Out-Patient Clinic of a tertiary teaching hospital in South- East, Nigeria. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study carried out among 248 children aged between 1 and 18 years seen at the Paediatric Outpatient Clinic at the tertiary hospital from August 2017 to October 2017. Information on socio-demographics, feeding practices, daycare attendance and vaccination were obtained and entered into a proforma. The serum obtained from the patient was tested for H. pylori antibodies. Results: The seroprevalence of H. pylori infection among the subjects was 36.3%. Statistically significant association was found between age of the subjects, parental education, social class, ingestion of uncooked/ raw food materials and H. pylori infection (p < 0.05). On logistic regression analysis, predictors of H. pylori infection were age 6-12 years (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.31-4.47, p = 0.005) and ingestion of uncooked/raw food materials (AOR= 2.38, 95% CI 1.14-8.33, p = 0.022). Conclusion: Risk factors associated with H. pylori infection include age, parental education, social class and ingestion of uncooked or raw food materials.