[Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in symptomatic outpatients in Red Rebagliati (EsSalud) from 2010 to 2013, Lima, Peru].

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in symptomatic outpatients in Red Rebagliati (EsSalud) from 2010 to 2013. MATERIAL AND METHODS An observational, transversal and analytical study. Records of outpatients with diagnostic 13C-urea breath test of Helicobacter pylori in the period 2010-2013 were reviewed. RESULTS Of the 1711 patients, the overall prevalence of Helicobacter pylori was 45.5% (95% CI: 43.17-47.89) being higher in women than in men (47.1% vs. 42.1%, p=0.056). There were significant differences in age between infected and uninfected (44 vs. 39, p < 0.05), with association between age and the presence of Helicobacter pylori (p<0.001). The estimated prevalence in the pediatric population was 36.3% and was found positive in 201 (51.1%) women of childbearing age. Most (43.9%) came from the financial sector of the city. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in the study population was similar in both sexes and is related to age. The average socioeconomic status of Lima maintains the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori reported in the last years.