Epidemiological features of Helicobacter pylori infection inchildren of five different ethnics in mountainous village (Banqua, Batxat, Lao Cai)

ABSTRACT

Background: There is nearly 3,5 billion people infected Helicobacter pylori in over the world. Objectives: To investigate Helicobacter pylori (HP) seroprevalence (by ELISA technique) and related risk factors (by questionnaire set) in children of different ethnics. Subjects and method: This cross - sectional study was carried out in Ban Qua, a mountainous village of a northern border province with a population of 408 children under 18 from 245 households (consisting of 781 members) with 5 ethnics. HP seroprevalence was determined by ELISA technique and risk factors by structure questionnaire. Results: HP seroprevalence in children under 18 was 26.7% without sex predominance but with significant ethnical difference 16.1 % in H\u2019mong, 16.7% in Tay, 20.3% in Dao, 38.5% in Giay and 41.0% in Kinh (p < 0.001); and increased with age, particularly in 3 - 6 aged group, by the rate of 1-1.5%/year. The study results showed that age, HP infection in sibling, breastfeeding beyond 12 months and family history of gastro duodenal disorders were independently associated to HP infection in children. In addition, HP infection in parents and illiteracy in mothers were also significantly related to higher seropositivity in children (p<0.03 and <0.045, respectively). Conclusion: This study showed that although the rate of HP infection in minority ethnics was lower than in the majority (Kinh), but risk factors for the infection were somewhat similar to those identified in other studies in Kinh people.