Seroprevalence of antibodies against Helicobacter pylori and factors associated with infection in Peruvian students

Abstract

Introduction: In Peru, the high burden of gastrointestinal diseases highlights the need to investigate the seroprevalence of anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies in vulnerable populations such as public school students.

Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against Helicobacter pylori and the factors associated with the infection in Peruvian students.

Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted by professionals from the San Cristóbal de Huamanga University, Ayacucho, during November-December 2023. From 85 students of the Public Educational Entity No. 38642 Inca Garcilaso de La Vega in Huamanguilla, Huanta, a sample of 82 students was selected. Variables such as age group, sex, living conditions, hygiene habits, and food consumption were analyzed.

Results: Of the 30 male students aged 6-9 years, 63.3% tested positive. In addition, 62.2% of the 82 studied cases reported overcrowding, of which 46 were positive (X²: 22.25; p: <0.001). Among those who tested positive, 66.1% reported washing their hands before eating (sometimes), while 57.6% did so after using the toilet. Regarding the consumption of boiled water, 57.6% of the positives did so sometimes, in contrast to 73.9% of the negatives, who always did (X²: 6.589; p: 0.010).

Conclusions: A high seroprevalence of anti-Helicobacter pylori antibodies was found, associated with overcrowding, inadequate hygiene practices, and irregular consumption of boiled water. Educational strategies should focus on these factors to reduce incidence.