Published online Dec 28, 2026. doi: 10.3748/wjg.122494
Revised: June 29, 2026
Accepted: July 28, 2026
Published online: December 28, 2026
Processing time: 196 Days and 23.3 Hours
The epidemiological status of family-based Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in Western Fujian Province is unclear. H. pylori infection is a major global public health concern and is closely associated with various gastrointestinal and systemic diseases. Familial clustering has been increasingly recognized as an important transmission pattern; however, region-specific data are limited. To our knowle
To investigate H. pylori prevalence, familial clustering, and infection-associated factors in Western Fujian Province to inform prevention and control strategies.
This observational study used stratified sampling to recruit households from seven districts and counties in the Minxi region between January and December 2025. Overall, 415 households (1427 individuals) were included. Standardized questionnaires were used to collect basic demographic characteristics and dietary and hygiene-related information. All participants underwent the 13C-urea breath test to determine H. pylori infection status. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with H. pylori infection, and a binomial goodness-of-fit test assessed familial clustering.
The overall and household H. pylori infection rates were 34.0% and 56.6%, respectively. Not using communal chopsticks and spoons [odds ratio (OR) = 2.669, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.209-5.895, P < 0.05] and infrequent dishware disinfection (OR = 6.919, 95%CI: 3.897-12.283, P < 0.05) were independently associated with H. pylori infection at the household level. Among adults, insufficient awareness of H. pylori, beer consumption, and frequent spicy-food intake were independently associated with H. pylori infection. No family history of H. pylori infection; low-salt diet; frequent garlic consumption; limited intake of strong tea, coffee, and milk tea; and, adequate sleep were associated with lower infection prevalence. In minors, frequent object biting and dental caries were independently associated with H. pylori infection. No family history of H. pylori infection, independent use of tableware, low consumption of smoked and fried foods, and low-salt diet were associated with lower infection prevalence. H. pylori infection exhibited significant familial clustering (χ2 = 134.751, P < 0.05).
H. pylori infection in Western Fujian Province exhibits high prevalence and familial clustering and is associated with multiple lifestyle factors. Given the cross-sectional design of this study, causal inferences cannot be drawn; nonetheless, these findings support the need for targeted, family-based prevention and control strategies and warrant further investigation through prospective longitudinal studies.
Core Tip: Current research on the familial clustering of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, its prevalence (particularly among minors), and its influencing factors remains limited, with no reported studies in Western Fujian Province. This study identified an overall H. pylori infection rate of 34.0% in Western Fujian Province, including 34.5% among adults and 31.1% among minors. H. pylori infection was associated with household hygiene practices and individual dietary hygiene behaviors, and familial clustering of H. pylori was observed. These findings suggest that family-based prevention and control strategies may be more effective for managing H. pylori infection.