Recurrent abdominal pain in children: evidence from a population-based study that social and familial factors play a major role but not Helicobacter pylori infection.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the relationship between social and familial factors, Helicobacter pylori infection and recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) in children in a population-based cross-sectional study among 1221 preschool children aged 5-8 years.

METHODS

H. pylori infection status was determined by 13C-urea breath test (13C-UBT) and information on medical history of the child and on RAP as well as on family demographics was obtained by a standardized questionnaire.

RESULTS

Overall, 129 children (11.3%) were infected with H. pylori and 29 children were identified as having RAP within the past 3 months (2.5%). Analysis by multiple logistic regression demonstrated a clear relationship of RAP with living in a single parent household [odds ratio (OR) 2.9, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.2-6.7], with parental history of peptic ulcer (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.3-10.4) and with parental history of nonulcer gastrointestinal disorders (OR 5.3, 95% CI 2.1-13.2). By contrast, there was a nonsignificant relation between H. pylori infection and occurrence of RAP (OR 1.6, 95% CI 0.5-5.5).

CONCLUSION

Social and familial factors play a major role but not H. pylori infection in RAP.