Seroprevalence, risk factors and comorbidities associated with Helicobacter pylori infection amongst children receiving care at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center.

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori frequently causes gastritis and peptic ulcers, and affected children are at risk of developing gastric carcinoma later in adulthood.

METHODS

This was a Hospital based cross sectional study. A total of 200 children aged 6 months to 14 years were enrolled. Study subjects were tested for H. pylori using a standard serology rapid test measuring immunoglobulin G for H. pylori. For risk factors, Chi-square tests were used to test for association and then, odds ratios and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals and p-values were computed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

The overall seroprevalence of H. pylori was 11.5%. The following factors were associated with H. pylori infection: Age group above 10 years, keeping a dog and household size. The independent predictors of H. pylori were: Fathers' occupation, keeping a dog, indoor tap water, age group, household size and diabetes mellitus type 1..

CONCLUSION

The seroprevalence of H. pylori antibodies was lower compared to most developing countries. Keeping a dog, household size, indoor tap water, fathers' occupation and diabetes mellitus type 1 were found to be independent predictors of presence of H. pylori antibodies.