Epidemiological survey of Helicobacter pylori infection in Tibetan population in Gangcha of Qinghai, 2017–2018

ObjectiveTo analyze the current status of Helicobacter pylori infection and related factors in Tibetan population in Gangcha county, a high altitude area on the north bank of Qinghai Lake, in Qinghai and provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of H. pylori infection in Tibetan population in plateau areas of China.

MethodsFrom August 2017 to November 2018, a total of 2 103 Tibetans were randomly sampled in Gangcha for an epidemiological survey according to the protocol developed by the National Helicobacter pylori Research Cooperative Group. The H. pylori infection was detected by using ¹⁴C urea breath test.

ResultsAmong 2 103 Tibetans, the HP infection rate was 74.13%, and the infection rates of H. pylori in men and women were 75.76% and 72.59%, respectively, The difference was not significant (χ²＝2.744, P＝0.054). The infection rate of H. pylori was highest in age group 20–39 years (78.32%). The infection rate was low in the townships which were close to the county town and have good sanitation and transportation conditions. In the remote areas far from the county town, the infection rate of H. pylori was high in herdsmen and those with low family income and low education level. The higher the education level was, the lower the infection rate of H. pylori was (χ²＝364.351, P＜0.05). Herdsmen had the highest infection rate of H. pylori (76.25% (1 191/1 562). The lower the family income was, the higher the infection rate of H. pylori was (χ²＝6.659, P＜0.05). The H. pylori also had a high infection rate in families.

ConclusionThe infection rate of H. pylori in Tibetans in Gangcha was higher than the national natural infection rate during 2017–2018. Herdsmen were at high risk for H. pylori infection. Good dietary habits and socio-economic conditions might reduce the infection rate of H. pylori.