Zhongguo quanke yixue (Oct 2022)
Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Associated Risk Factors among Chinese Children: a Meta-analysis
Abstract
Background Helicobacter pylori is difficult to remove naturally in children after being infected with it. Due to differences in sample size and features, design and setting, there is little consistency between studies on epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection and its affecting factors in children from China, a country with high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori. Therefore, a comprehensive and objective understanding of the prevalence and risk factors of Helicobacter pylori infection among Chinese children is of great significance for the prevention of Helicobacter pylori infection in this group. Objective To systematically review the prevalence and risk factors of Helicobacter pylori infection among Chinese children. Methods In June 2021, We searched for studies on Helicobacter pylori infection and its risk factors among Chinese children in databases of PubMed, EmBase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, CQVIP and Wanfang Data from inception to June 2021. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the quality of included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using R 4.1.0. Results Thirty-seven articles were included with a total sample size of 40 786 cases, of whom 11 267 were infected with Helicobacter pylori. Meta-analysis showed that the overall prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection was 30.31%〔95%CI= (25.72%, 35.10%) 〕. Subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection significantly varied by geographical region of participants, the year of the publication of the article, and Helicobacter pylori detection method (P<0.05) . With the city economic decline, the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in children was on the rise (χ2trend=465.955, P<0.001) . Univariate meta-regression results showed that the city economic level had a significant impact on the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in children (P<0.05) . Meta-analysis further indicated that poor living conditions〔OR (95%CI) =1.47 (1.09, 2.00) 〕, history of premastication〔OR (95%CI) =2.88 (1.80, 4.60) 〕, children〔OR (95%CI) =1.56 (1.01, 2.43) 〕or family members〔OR (95%CI) =2.23 (1.68, 2.98) 〕with gastrointestinal symptoms, gnawing fingers or toys〔OR (95%CI) =3.64 (2.10, 6.32) 〕, and use of shared bathroom utensils〔OR (95%CI) =2.54 (2.54, 5.73) 〕 were all risk factors for Helicobacter pylori infection in children. In contrast, living in urban areas〔OR (95%CI) =0.63 (0.56, 0.71) 〕and washing hands frequently〔OR (95%CI) =0.36 (0.18, 0.69) 〕were associated with decreased risk of Helicobacter pylori infection. In addition, the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection increased with the age of the children (χ2trend=416.923, P<0.001) . Conclusion The overall prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among Chinese children is high, which may be higher in children living in rural and economically lagging areas, and with poor hygiene habits of individuals or family members. Strengthening Helicobacter pylori screening in children in rural areas and the education of associated risk factors will help to effectively prevent Helicobacter pylori infection in children.
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