China is a multi-ethnic country, and the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection may be diverse among ethnics. This meta-analysis was conducted to compare the prevalence of H. pylori infection between Tibetans and Han ethnics. Ten studies that reported the prevalence of H. pylori infection between Tibetans and Hans in China were eligible. The pooled prevalence of H. pylori infection was 62.2% versus 55.3% among Tibetans and Hans, respectively. Tibetans had a higher risk of H. pylori infection than Hans (odds ratio [OR] = 1.38). In subgroup analysis, Tibetans with upper gastrointestinal symptoms (OR = 1.51), inhabiting in Tibet (OR = 1.51), or inhabiting in Northwestern region (OR = 1.15) had significantly higher risks of H. pylori infection. In addition, in the recent 10 years, Hans showed a decreased risk of H. pylori infection (OR = 1.81). Heterogeneity was common, while sensitivity analyses showed partially inconsistent results against main findings. This study demonstrated higher prevalence of H. pylori infection in Tibetans compared with Hans, especially in recent years, or in Tibet and northwest China, as well as symptomatic Tibetans. The results suggest tailored strategy and robustness need to be further considered for H. pylori screening and eradication among Tibetans.
Keywords: Helicobacter pylori; Tibetan; epidemiology; meta-analysis; prevalence.