Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Kenyan schoolchildren aged 3-15 years and risk factors for infection

Objectives To determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infectio n in Kenyan schoolchildren aged 3-15 years and the risk factors for infecti on. Design A cross-sectional survey and study of risk factors. Subjects Primary-school children in Trans Nzoia district, Kenya. Methods Hp status was determined using the C-13-urea breath test. Risk fact ors were assessed using a structured interview schedule. Results Of 205 children interviewed, valid breath test results were obtaine d for 192 (93.7%), of whom 155 (80.7% (95% CI 75.2-86.3)) were infected. Un ivariate analysis showed weak associations between Hp infection and rural a reas (location of home, Relative Risk (RR) = 1.2 (1.0-1.4); location of sch ool, RR = 1.2 (1.0-1.3)) and lower socio-economic status (RR = 1.2 (1.0 - 1 .4)). Access to only a pit-latrine in the home (RR = 1.2 (1.0-1.4)) and pla te-sharing with other family members in the home also increased the likelih ood of Hp infection (RR = 1.3 (1.1-1.6)). However, after logistic regressio n modelling only plate-sharing in the home remained as an independent risk factor (odds ratio (OR) = 2.8 (1.3-6.3)). Conclusions The prevalence of Hp infection in Kenyan schoolchildren aged 3- 15 years is already high, suggesting that most acquisition occurs before ag e 3 years. Children who normally shared a plate with other family members d uring meals in the home had a higher prevalence of infection, suggesting th at ore-oral transmission may be important in this population. Future studie s in developing countries should focus on younger children (before age 3 ye ars), and consider the possibility of adult-child, ore-oral transmission in order to establish likely modes of transmission. (C) 2000 Lippincott Willi ams & Wilkins.