Helicobacter pylori and Associated Factors among Symptomatic and Asymptomatic SchoolAged Children Attending Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is significantly higher in developing nations. It is mainly acquired during
childhood and is strongly linked to several stomach conditions ranging from gastritis to gastric cancers. However,
there is limited information concerning its occurrence and infection and associated factors among school-age children
in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Helicobactor pylori infection among school-aged children
attending the outpatient department of Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia.
Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1038 school-aged children attending
Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital outpatient department from 01 January to 30 November 2019. The study
population with and without a clinical manifestation of Helicobactor pylori was enrolled consecutively until the
intended sample size was achieved. Data were collected through an interview using a structured questionnaire. A stool
was collected and tested for the Helicobacter pylori antigen. Data were analyzed by using the Statistical Package for
Social Sciences version 20.0 program. Chi-square and logistic regression models were used to determine the predictor
of the outcome variable. A p-value of less than 0.05 was taken as the significant level.
Results: Out of 993 (280 symptomatic and 713 asymptomatic) school-aged children, 173(17.4%) (95 % CI: 15.2-
19.7) were positive for Helicobacter pylori infection. The prevalence was higher in symptomatic 54(19.3%) compared
to asymptomatic 119(16.7%) school age children (p>0.05). Children in the ages group of 10-12 years (AOR: 1.53,
95% CI: 1.09, 2.15), did not attend formal school (AOR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.42), and shared sleeping accommodation with two or more persons (AOR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.50) had higher odds of acquiring Helicobacter pylori.
Conclusion: The overall prevalence of Helicobacter pylori is high. The age of the child, educational status, and shared
sleeping accommodation were identified factors. This calls for improving personal hygiene at the age group of 10-
12, avoiding sharing sleeping accommodations and educating the child might reduce the acquisition of Helicobacter
pylori infection.