Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori in Asymptomatic Paediatrics Patients in a Tertiary Hospital: A Cross- Sectional Study

Abstract

The present hospital based cross sectional study was done on 214 paediatric patients attending O.P.D for symptoms other than those of gastrointestinal disorders and the prevalence of H.pylori was found using Stool Ag card test. Out of these 214 patients,112 were found positive for H.pylori by stool antigen card test giving a prevalence of 52.34.%. A detailed proforma was filled having information regarding age and sex of the patient, education and occupation of the head of the family, sanitary practices, dietary habits of the patient was also observed for pallor. Among a total of 117 males, 64 were positive for H.pylori (54.7%) and among 97 females, 48 were positive (49.5%). Age wise distribution showed maximum prevalence of H.pylori in the age group of 15–18 years (75.9%) and minimum in the age group of 3–6 years (30.4%). A higher prevalence of H.pylori was found among non-vegetarians (53.1%) and among patients having pallor (75.8%) which was significant. A study of socio-economic status showed a prevalence of H.pylori as 52% in upper lower and 52.6% in lower middle socio-economic group.