H. pylori prevalence reaches 77.2% in Vietnamese children and 58.7% in adults across 8204 and 4641 participants respectively

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New England Journal of Medicine Published May 30, 2026 Medically reviewed May 30, 2026 Study authors: Nguyen Van Khanh, Duc Tran Quang, Le Van Anh, Trinh Thi Hong Nhung, Vu Hong Anh, Nguyen Son Truong, … PubMed ↗ DOI ↗ By Dr. Sofia Müller, MD · Lifespan & Whole-Person Care

Key Takeaway

Note high H. pylori prevalence in Vietnamese children and adults with significant heterogeneity.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the pooled prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Vietnam. The analysis included 8204 adults and 4641 children across multiple studies. The primary outcome measured the overall infection rates within this specific population.

The pooled prevalence of H. pylori infection was 58.7% (95% CI: 49.9%-67.2%) among adults. In children, the prevalence was higher at 77.2% (95% CI: 67.1%-86.0%). Prevalence varied by age and location. Adults younger than 50 years had a prevalence of 56.4%, while those aged 50 years or older had a prevalence of 65.8%.

Urban areas showed a prevalence of 60.7%, compared to 46.8% in rural areas. The analysis reported high heterogeneity across studies with an I2 value greater than 98% and a P value less than .001. Safety data and adverse events were not reported. The authors note that these findings underscore the need for expanded surveillance and monitoring to better characterize H. pylori infection patterns and inform appropriate response strategies.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

EvidenceLevel 1

Follow-up600.0 mo

PublishedMay 2026

PMID42216345

View Original Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: Although Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) prevalence has declined in many high-income countries, data from Vietnam remain limited and fragmented. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of H. pylori infection in Vietnamese adults and children. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for observational studies published between January 2000 and September 2025. Eligible studies reported H. pylori prevalence in Vietnamese populations using validated diagnostic methods. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to calculate pooled prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were conducted by age group, geographic area, and study setting. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies met inclusion criteria, comprising 8204 adults and 4641 children. The pooled prevalence of H. pylori infection was 58.7% (95% CI: 49.9%-67.2%) in adults and 77.2% (95% CI: 67.1%-86.0%) in children, with high heterogeneity across studies (I2 > 98%, P < .001). Among adults, prevalence was 56.4% in those aged <50 years and 65.8% in those ≥50 years (P = .455). Prevalence was lower in rural areas (46.8%) compared to urban areas (60.7%) (P = .045), with no significant difference between community- and hospital-based settings (P = .723). Funnel plot assessment did not indicate evident publication bias. CONCLUSION: H. pylori infection remains common in the populations represented in this study, particularly among urban and healthcare-seeking groups in Vietnam. These findings underscore the need for expanded surveillance and monitoring to better characterize H. pylori infection patterns and inform appropriate response strategies.