Determinación de la relación entre helicobacter pylori y los hábitos alimenticios en estudiantes de bioquímica y farmacia de la ESPOCH, en el período abril – septiembre 2022

Abstract

The main objective of this research study was to determine the relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and eating habits. The sample consisted of 75 students with an age range between 20 to 30 years of age corresponding to the fourth and eighth semesters of the Biochemistry and Pharmacy faculty of the ESPOCH. The questionnaire was developed and validated by experts according to Moriyama's criteria method. The project was shared with the students and those who decided to participate voluntarily signed informed consent filled out the survey and collected fecal samples. The biological samples were processed at the Parasitology laboratory of the ESPOCH. For the statistical analysis, the statistical software SPSS version 26 was used at a confidence level of 95%, where the statistical association of H. pylori infection was determined by the habit of sharing cutlery without previous washing (p-value = 0.000), prolonged fasting (p-value= 0.005), habitual consumption of animal origin foods (meat, fish, dairy products, milk, and honey) where pvalue= 0.000. Thus, the great preference for fast food (p value= 0.008), food prepared on the street (p-value= 0.000), soft drinks (p-value= 0.000), salt (p-value= 0.000), and combination of fast food with soft drinks (p-value= 0.000). On the other hand, the lack of habit of disinfecting fruits and vegetables (p-value= 0.000), frequent consumption of legumes (p-value= 0.048), a null or little diet of fruits (p-value= 0.000) and vegetables (p-value = 0.000). It was also established that the repeated consumption of garlic and honey are protective habit against H. pylori. According to the findings obtained, it is recommended to increase the consumption of fruits, vegetables, garlic, honey, and legumes and avoid or reduce the intake of salt, junk food, soft drinks, food prepared on the street, and food of animal origin.