Prevalence and risk factors for helicobacter pylori infection in children aged 3-60 months attending a private and a public hospital clinic in Kenya (Gertrude’s children’s hospital and Githogoro clinic): a comparative study.

Abstract

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori is a common bacterial infection globally with the highest infection rates occurring in developing countries. Acquisition occurs in early childhood and the prevalence tends to increase with age. The local burden of disease among children is largely unknown due to few studies. H. pylori infection Higher prevalence rates have been linked to low socioeconomic status, overcrowding, poor sanitation and low education levels. Objective: Our study objective was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for Helicobacter pylori infection among children aged 3 months to 5 years attending immunization clinics at private hospital (Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital) and an affiliated public institution (Githogoro clinic). Methodology: A cross-sectional study of 212 children (106 from each group) was carried out. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain sociodemographic characteristics of the children attending the immunization clinics. H. pylori infection was assessed using a stool antigen test. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22 and data presented using descriptive statistics. Chi-square test was used to determine the association between H pylori infection and risk factors. Multivariate analysis was done using logistic regression. Results: The participants’ mean age was 29months with a male to female ratio of almost 1:1.The H.pylori feco-prevalence was 45% with those at Githogoro having a 2 fold higher risk of the infection (OR 2.137(95% C.I 0.863-5.296). Multivariate regression analysis indicated that the water source for domestic use and number of people sharing a room were statistically significant risk factors for H. pylori infection. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of H. pylori among children in this study as reported in other studies in developing nations.