PREVALENCE OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG CHILDREN VISITING PEDIATRIC CLINIC OF HARGEISA GROUP HOSPITAL, HARGEISA, SOMALILAND

Abstract

Background:Helicobacter pylori infection is usually acquired during childhood and is associated with different socio-demographic factors. It is a major public health problem in many developing countries and the local burden of disease among children is largely unknown due to limited studies. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection and its associated factors among children 1-17 years of age at Hargeisa Group Hospital, from September 5 to December 25, 2022. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 317 clinically suspected children for H. pylori infection. Children were selected consecutively in pediatric outpatient department. A pre tested questionnaire was used to collect data on the socio-demographic and associated factors such as family size, sources of water and family income. A stool sample was collected and processed for the detection of H. pylori antigen using rapid test kit.The data was entered using Epi data 3.1, and analyzed using SPSS version 20. The association of different variables was statistically tested using bivariate and multivariable regression analysis. The magnitude of association was measured by adjusted odds ratio at 95% CI and P-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Among 317 participants, 166(52.4%) were female and 41% of them were in the age range of 1 to 5 years. The prevalence of H. pylori was 33.1% (95% CI: 28.1-38.2). Children from family monthly income of 115$-345$ (AOR=2.3:95%Cl: 1.06-4.96; p= 0.034), using flush toilet (AOR= 0.496; 95%Cl: 0.3-0.9; p= 0.013), unpracticed of hand washing after toilet visit (AOR=3.3; 95%Cl: 2.9-6.4; p= 0.003), neverpracticed hand washing with soap after toilet visit (AOR=2.6; 95%Cl: 1.3–7.3; p= 0.026) were found significantly associated with H. pylori x infection. Conclusion: One-third of children had H. pylori infection. The infection is significantly associated with family monthly income, hand washing habit, type of toilets and hand washing with soap. Thereforeraise awareness about sanitation and hygiene is important. The infection is primarily acquired between the ages of 1 and 5, therefore, the study is recommended early diagnosis.