Abstract:
Objective To explore the prevalence and relevant risk factors of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection among school-age children.
Methods Hp infections in children aged 6 to 13 years from a primary school located in Beijing Fenghuangling area were examined by monoclonal stool antigen test in this study. Standardized questionnaires were completed by parents of these children to obtain relevant information for the following analysis of risk factors.
Results Hp-positive rate among 291 children was 23.02%.The positive rates in boys and girls were 29.19% and 15.38%, respectively, with a significant difference between genders (
P< 0.05). The Hp-positive rates were 18.89% in children with age of 6-7 years old, 20.62% in 8-9 years old, and 28.85% in 10-13 years old. The infection rate tended to increase with the increase of age, but the difference was not statistically significant (
P> 0.05).Multivariable regression indicated that gender and receiving pre-chewed food from mother were the high risk factors for Hp infection.
Conclusion The incidence of Hp infection is a bit high among school-age children in Beijing Fenghuangling area, and the infection rate increases with the increase of age. The infection rate of boy is higher than that of girl. The rate of Hp infection has correlation with gender and receiving pre-chewed food from mother.