Helicobacter pylori among symptomatic Egyptian children: prevalence, risk factors, and effect on growth

Aim This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and predictors of Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) infection among symptomatic children and the effect on growth. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Outpatient Clinics of the Gastroenterology Unit of the Pediatric Hospital, Cairo University. A total of 630 children complaining of any symptoms or signs suspicious of H. pylori infection were enrolled. Weight and height were measured for each child, and the standard deviation scores ( Z -scores) for weight-for-age (WAZ), weight-for-height (WHZ), and height-for-age (HAZ) were calculated. H. pylori was diagnosed using a stool antigen test. Results The overall prevalence of infection was 64.6%. Socio-demographic variables significantly associated with H. pylori were residence in Upper Egypt ( P = 0.013) and rural areas ( P = 0.004), illiteracy of mothers ( P = 0.017), household crowding index ≥ 3 ( P = 0.011), absence of pure water supply ( P = 0.005), and eating from street vendors ( P