Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and effectiveness of first-line triple eradication therapy among dyspeptic patients at hospitals in Hawassa City, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Dyspepsia is a common gastrointestinal illness sometimes associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Screening and eradicating the bacterium reduces the risk of infection-related complications. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of H. pylori infection among dyspeptic patients and the effectiveness of triple eradication therapy at hospitals in Hawassa city, Ethiopia.

RESULTS: The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 48.5%. The H. pylori eradication rate using first-line triple therapy was 83.8%. Eradication therapy failure is associated with previous exposure compared to no exposure (AOR: 4.8, 95% CI: 1.37-10.97), a regimen for 10-days compared to 14-days (AOR: 4.05, 95% CI: 1.42-11.55), and self-reported side effects compared to no report (AOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.12-5.97). Based on Morisky-eight scale 230 (79.0%) patients were adherent to their triple therapy. Participants with no reports of adverse effects showed increased odds of adherence to triple therapy compared to those who had reports (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.29-4.62).

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that about half of adult dyspeptic patients were infected with H. pylori, and moderate eradication was observed. Factors such as previous history of eradication therapy, duration of the eradication regimen, and perception of potential adverse effects are associated with eradication rate and should be considered during the initiation of eradication therapy.