Effects of enhanced education for patients with the Helicobacter pylori infection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections are of serious concern due to the associated risk of gastric cancer. However, many patients have poor medication and therapy compliance, which makes it difficult to eradicate their infections. This points to the need for stronger educational interventions aimed at enhancing compliance, thus increasing the potential for treatment success. As such, this study conducted a meta-analysis to clarify the effects of enhanced patient education (EPE) programs for H. pylori. Materials and Methods:We searched electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on health education for patients infected with H. pylori from inception to June 2021. The primary outcome was the eradication rate of H. pylori, while the secondary outcomes included the incidence of individual adverse symptoms, treatment compliance, clinical symptom remission after treatment, and patient satisfaction. We used the fixed or random-effects model to pool the risk ratio (RR), with 95% confidence interval. We also conducted sensitivity and subgroup analyses.Results: Our search returned seven relevant studies across a total of 1,433 patients.Compared with controls, EPE was significantly associated with improved H. pylori eradication rates (RR = 1.16, 95%CI: 1.04-1.29, p = 0.006) and patient compliance (RR = 1.48, 95%CI: 1.14-1.93, p = 0.003). A subgroup analysis also showed that EPE benefits were consistent across patients with different eradication programs, WeChat intervention plans, and intervention frequencies (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the total adverse effects, common side effects (diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, taste disorder, and skin rash), or discontinuation rate (p > 0.05).Conclusions: Patient education is inexpensive, safe, and convenient. In this context, our findings suggest that enhanced educational interventions have positive effects on both the H. pylori eradication rate and adherence among infected patients, and thus constitute promising complements to clinical treatment regimens.

Low compliance to post‐screening recommendations in a family‐based Helicobacter pylori screening and treatment program: A prospective cohort study

“…Our findings suggest that several aspects should be emphasized during such education sessions, including the “test, treat, and retest” steps, the need for gastroscopy in high‐risk groups, and the dangers of H. pylori infection. Social‐media‐based cluster management of H. pylori patients and web‐based education is a promising model 40,41 . As for the target population, future pre‐screening educational efforts may need to focus more on non‐urban area, male, and asymptomatic participants.…”

“…Social-media-based cluster management of H. pylori patients and web-based education is a promising model. 40,41 As for the target population, future pre-screening educational efforts may need to focus more on non-urban area, male, and asymptomatic participants.…”

Detection and Treatment of Helicobacter pylori: Problems and Advances

“…Hidden reasons, such as clarithromycin use, PPI discontinuation, gastric dysbiosis, recurrence, and dietary habits, may be involved [ 98 ]. Health education and appropriate gastric mucosa protectant are necessary [ 99 ].…”

The management of Helicobacter pylori infection and prevention and control of gastric cancer in China

“…The main drawback of BQT was the complex of drug administration, which might influence the compliance of the subjects, leading to the decreased efficacy of regimen. Enhanced educational interventions were effective way to improve the adherence among infected patients ( Zha et al., 2022 ). WeChat is a social media platform widely used in China.…”