Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection among school-age children (6-15years) in Jalalabad Afghanistan

Abstract

Background: H. pylori infection poses a significant public health burden in low- and middle-income countries. In children, it can cause gastritis, abdominal pain, anemia, and growth retardation, and increase the risk of peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. This study examines its prevalence and determinants among 6–15-year-old children in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2023 to March 2024 among 460 school-aged children (6–15 years) in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, using multistage stratified random sampling. H. pylori infection was assessed via stool antigen test, and socio-demographic, economic, and hygiene-related factors were analyzed using logistic regression to identify independent risk factors. Results: Among 460 school-aged children, 49.3% tested positive for H. pylori, with no gender difference. Infection risk was higher in older children (13–15 years) than in those aged 5–9 years (AOR = 1.64, p = 0.017), children from larger families (6–12 members: AOR = 2.95, p = 0.004; >12 members: AOR = 3.26, p = 0.006). Poor hand hygiene before meals ((AOR = 1.73, p = 0.012) and after returning home (AOR = 1.85, p = 0.007) were independently associated with higher infection risk. Conclusion: H. pylori infection is common among school-aged children in Jalalabad, linked to older age, large families, low parental literacy, and poor hygiene. Targeted hygiene education and parental awareness programs are needed to prevent infection and long-term gastrointestinal consequences.