Longitudinal analysis of factors related to Helicobacter pylori infection in Chinese adults

This research aimed to analyze lifestyle-related factors which influence Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and outcomes in Chinese adults. A single-center, retrospective study was performed from January 2012 to December 2020. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect relevant lifestyle information, and the (13)C-urea breath test was used to diagnose active Hp infection. A total of 18,211 subjects were enrolled in the study, of which 5,511 were females (30.26%). Subjects were studied longitudinally for up to five follow-up visits. At baseline, gastric Hp test was negative in 10,670 subjects (58.59%) and positive in 7,541 subjects (41.41%). Males exhibited a significantly higher Hp infection rate than females (38.56% vs 2.65%, respectively; χ (2) = 26.45, P < 0.001). Throughout the course of follow-up, Hp positive rates in the subjects decreased ( [Image: see text] = 666.04, P < 0.001). Among the subjects with baseline negative results, 3–6% changed from negative to positive during follow-up. In contrast, among those with baseline positive results, >70% remained positive, and 21–26% changed from positive to negative. However, only 22–27% of Hp-infected subjects received pharmacotherapy. The results indicate the prevalence of Hp infection is high in the Chinese population. That additional effort is required to prevent and control Hp infection.