The frequency and risk factors of Helicobacter pylori in children of 6 years old from Shahrekord in 2006

Helicobacter pylori is a common bacterial pathogens in human. The organism is associated with development of acute and chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer diseases, and gastric cancer. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in children ranges from 10% to more than 80%. High prevalence occurs in developing countries. This aimed to determine the frequency and risk factors of Helicobacter pylori in children of 6 years old from Shahrekord in 2006. In this descriptive and analytical study, a total of 215 stool samples from children selected none randomly at age of 6 years. Infection was determined based on antigen immunoassay in stool using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. (Diaper kit, Italy). Data were analyzed using X2 and Regression Logistic tests. According the results, 50 of 215 (23.3%) children, were positive for the H.pylori. There were no significant differences between the prevalence of H.pylori infection and sex, smoking of parent, abdominal pain growth of children, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, peptic ulcer in parents and history of breast milk (P>0.05). But there was a significant relationship between the prevalence of H.pylori infection and history of stomach cancer in their family and level of education in their parents (P<0.05). Less than a quarter of the children studied tested positive for H.pylori. Thus, the promosion of health services should be considered.