THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN H. PYLORI AND DIETARY HABITS IN OBESE FEMALE PATIENTS

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the dietary habits of obese women aged above 18 and the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Five hundred and sixty-one women aged above 18 were included in the study. Patients filled in questionnaires consisting of questions regarding their sociodemographic variables, chronic diseases and dietary habits. Blood samples taken from the patients were tested according to the H. pylori kit procedures and the results were categorized as positive and negative. In the study, obese and nonobese patients were compared and then H. Pylori positive and negative groups were compared. No significant difference was found between groups in terms of H. pylori in the comparison of obese and nonobese patients (p = 0.272). When H. pylori positive and negative groups of obese patients were compared in terms of their dietary habits, consumption rates of butter, whole-fat or lowfat milk, cookies-cake etc., and chocolate-candies were detected to be higher in the H. pylori positive group (p < 0.05). Red meat consumption (p = 0.044) and smoking rates were lower (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between groups in terms of the consumption rates of bread, rice/pasta, corn, cheese, chicken, fish, sausages, fruit, vegetables, legumes and salt. No significant difference was found between obese and nonobese women in terms of H. pylori positivity. It was observed that H. pylori positive obese women had higher consumption rates of butter, whole-fat or low-fat milk, cake-cookies etc., and chocolate-candies.