Socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with failure in Helicobacter pylori eradication using the standard triple therapy

AIM: To evaluate the influence of socioeconomic and demographic factors on the eradication rate of H. pylori, using standard triple therapy BACKGROUND: the efficacy of the standard triple therapy (STT) for H. pylori eradication has decreased with the rise of antibiotic resistance. Other factors could influence the eradication failure, although available results are conflicting. METHODS: Retrospective study, including adults with H. pylori infection treated de novo with STT (proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin and clarithromycin). Eradication success was assessed by (13)C-urea breath test. Demographic and socioeconomics variables were evaluated and correlated with eradication treatment outcome. The confounder variables were controlled by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Out of 902 patients with H. pylori diagnosis, 693 met inclusion criteria (average age 53 years; females 55.2%). Non-significant differences were observed in relation to economics income between rural and urban areas (p=0.316). The eradication rate of H. pylori was 71.1%: male 78.9% vs female 65.9%, urban area 73.4% vs rural area 64.1%. With reference to age, income and nationality, the eradication rates were similar in all groups. According to logistic regression analysis, females had almost twice more likelihood of eradication failure in relation to males (OR 1.92; 95%CI: 1.38–2.72); and rural residents had OR 1.55 (95%CI: 1.03–2.33) for having eradication failure in contrast with urban population. CONCLUSION: Female gender and rural residence are factors associated with H. Pylori eradication failure with standard triple therapy