Pharmacological impact of community pharmacy counselling on H. Pylori eradication and symptom improvement in peptic ulcer disease

Background and objective: Successful H. pylori eradication is critical for the management of peptic ulcer disease. Recent evidence suggests that community pharmacy counselling may drive better patient motivation, adherence, and clinical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the pharmacological impact of structured community pharmacy counseling on treatment motivation, medication adherence, H. pylori eradication, and the resolution of key symptoms in Iraqi patients with peptic ulcer disease. Methods: This was a quantitative, randomized controlled trial conducted in Erbil City. This study carried out in selected private clinics from November 2024 to April 2025. A total of 100 patients diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups: (50 intervention group and 50 control group). Data were collected on variables including demographic information, epigastric pain, dyspepsia, heartburn, fatigue, and stool antigen test results, patient motivation, medication adherence. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism, applying appropriate tests such as the Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test based on the nature of the data. Results: The study included 100 participants with a mean age of 36.55 ± 10.84 years; 58% were male and 42% were female. Patients in the intervention group showed significantly higher motivation (86% vs. 44%, P <0.0001) and better medication adherence (94% vs. 24%, P <0.0001) compared to the control group. The eradication rate of H. pylori was significantly higher in the intervention group (90%) compared to the control group (54%), with a P-value of 0.0001. Moreover, the intervention group recovered more on symptoms, including reductions in epigastric pain (64% vs. 48%, P = 0.0012), dyspepsia (80% vs. 60%, P = 0.0629), heartburn (80% vs. 60%, P = 0.0167), and fatigue (76% vs. 52%, P = 0.011) compared to the control group. Conclusion: Community pharmacy counseling significantly improves patient motivation and adherence, leading to superior H. pylori eradication and symptom relief. Our findings advocate for the integration of structured pharmacy counseling in to peptic ulcer disease management protocols.