Prevalence and Risk Factors of <i><scp>H</scp>elicobacter pylori</i> Infection in <scp>S</scp>audi Children: A Three‐Year Prospective Controlled Study

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori infection had a high prevalence among Saudi children in the cities of Jeddah and Riyadh. It was a relatively common cause of abdominal pain and anorexia. In this cohort of children, H. pylori infection was associated with variables indicative of a crowded environment and poor living conditions, further supporting the conclusion that improving socioeconomic conditions and designing a preventive health strategy in Saudi Arabia will likely protect children against this infection.