Prevalence and risk factors for Helicobacter pylori infection in southwest China: a study of health examination participants based on 13C-urea breath test

Background/aim: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has a high prevalence in developing countries. We aimed to investigate the current prevalence of H. pylori, as well as its potential serum risk factors, in a population from southwest China. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 10,912 subjects who received medical examinations at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University in 2014. Data regarding physical examinations and biochemical measurements were collected, and H. pylori infection was diagnosed with a C-13-urea breath test. Logistic regression was conducted to identify the risk factors for H. pylori infection. Results: The infection rate of H. pylori was 34.4% (3750/10,912). Older age, lower albumin levels, and higher total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and fasting blood sugar were significantly associated with increased incidence of H. pylori infection. Moreover, logistic regression analysis showed that older age, low albumin, and hyperglycemia were independent risk factors for H. pylori infection after adjusting for other covariables. Conclusion: The results from our study showed that H. pylori was prevalent in southwest China. Older age, low albumin levels, and hyperglycemia were significant risk factors associated with H. pylori infection.