Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori Infection among Children in Pediatric Hospital at Sulaimani City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacterium that causes gastritis and peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and it is the most common cause of infectious gastritis. Helicobacter pylori is an infection that is typically acquired during childhood. It is widely accepted that the infection may occur early in life and may persist for decades before causing diseases. Objective: The study aim was to assess the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Kurdistan pediatric hospital at Sulaimani city-Kurdistan Region /Iraq. Methods: This scientific investigation is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study based on a prospective collection of data carried out from May to August 2023. Recruitment was probabilistic; A questionnaire sheet was prepared and used to collect personal. Information by a face-to-face interview for each study subject. Results: Across sectional study included 219 samples, 111 boys and 108 girls, aged 1 to 15 years were evaluated. The mean age of enrolled children was 5.48 years. Stool samples were positive for H pylori in 97 (44.3%) children. There was a significant correlation between a positive H pylori status and a family who shared cutlery (P value = 0.01). The current study shows that no significant association was found between the prevalence of H pylori infection and individuals' ages, gender or socioeconomic levels and the child’s parents' education level. Conclusion: Hp infection is common among children aged 1to 5 years in Kurstan Region. Often asymptomatic, it is facilitated and exacerbated by unsanitary conditions and low-level education.