Attitudes and Practices Regarding Helicobacter Pylori Infection Among the Public in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Survey

TL;DR

This study in Jordan found that public awareness and practices regarding Helicobacter pylori infection are poor, suggesting a need for better education and health interventions.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into public attitudes and practices toward H. pylori in Jordan, highlighting significant gender and age associations.

Findings

Only 31.6% of participants had a positive attitude toward H. pylori infection.

One-third of participants showed good practices related to H. pylori transmission.

Females and those aged 50 and above had significantly better attitudes and practices.

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori is a major infection that can cause a variety of complications, including stomach cancer and peptic ulcers. There is a scarcity of research on the awareness of H. pylori in the general population in Jordan. Because public awareness and behavioral changes are powerful tools in curbing transmission rates, this study evaluated Jordanians' beliefs and behaviors about H. pylori infection.

Methods: The study was carried out in 2021 between May and July. Those who met the requirements for inclusion were asked to fill out a questionnaire through interviews. The questionnaire had three sections: sociodemographic data, participants’ attitudes regarding H. pylori infection, and daily practices that could affect H. pylori transmission.

Results: Responses were collected from 767 participants, 50.7% were females, 65.8% were married, and 65.1% had a high educational level. Only 31.6% of the participants held a positive attitude. The female gender was significantly associated with better attitudes regarding H. pylori infection. One-third of the interviewed participants showed good practices. The female gender and being 50 years old and above were significantly associated with better practices.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that attitudes and practices regarding H. pylori infection in Jordan were unsatisfactory. Subsequently, public health efforts should be aimed at modifying those behaviors to decrease the disease burden.

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