The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Helicobacter pylori Infection among Children with Dyspeptic Patients

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in children is common in developing countries. There is no data available regarding H. pylori infection in dyspeptic children and associated risk factors in Libya. The objectives were to determine the prevalence of H. pylori among the dyspeptic children and to correlate risk factors associated with H. pylori infection. A gastric biopsy was collected from (120) dyspeptic children attending the gastroenterology units of Tripoli Children Hospital, and a questionnaire covering socio-demographic variables was completed by interview. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 84%. Age (6 to 10 years), place of residence (rural areas), and family members (5 to 7 members) were the most significant risk factors associated with H. pylori. These findings highlighted the importance of screening children with dyspepsia in urban and rural Libyan regions