Helicobacter pylori Infection: Comparison of Knowledge between Health Science and Non-Health Science University Students

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), an important human pathogen, is classified as a human carcinogen. It is known to cause dyspepsia, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. Awareness regarding H. pylori infections in Saudi Arabia awaits investigation to reduce or even eliminate the infection that would ease the substantial burden of managing H. pylori among both malignant and non-malignant diseases. Aims: The study aims were to (1) assess the knowledge of H. pylori infection, testing, and management among undergraduate students in Saudi Arabia and (2) compare the H. pylori knowledge among health science and non-health science students. Methods: This study involved a cross-sectional online survey among 334 undergraduate students in health science and non-health science colleges at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, using a valid and reliable author-developed survey. The survey had two sections: the socio-demographic factors and knowledge items regarding H. pylori. Data were collected during the 2019–2020 academic year. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and Mann–Whitney U test. The knowledge scores were categorized as poor, fair, and good. Results: Less than 10% of the students in both groups had a good knowledge level about H. pylori. The comparison of the overall mean between both groups was non-significant. Moreover, the level of knowledge of the respondents was significantly associated with their university level (p < 0.001), family monthly income (p < 0.007), having heard about H. pylori infection (p < 000.1), and a previous history of H. pylori infection (p < 000.1). Conclusion: The overall knowledge level of Saudi undergraduate students about H. pylori infection was low. Thus, health awareness interventions through educational programs are recommended for improving their knowledge about H. pylori infection and its prevention.

Knowledge and awareness level of Helicobacter pylori infection among medical students in Umm Al-Qura University: A cross-sectional electronic survey

“…However, 246 of them have an inadequate understanding of the infection. Compared to the KSU study, 60 of the total participants had a previous history of H-pylori, and 20 of them had poor knowledge of the infection (Hafiz et al, 2021). Considering the difference between the number of male and female participants, 200 of the total male respondents have poor knowledge of H-pylori infection, whereas 97 of the female respondents have a low level of knowledge of the infection.…”

“…However, our results show that out of 334 respondents, only 23 are aware of H-pylori infection, and only 3 out of them have good knowledge about the infection, according to our survey. In contrast, the KSU study shows that 257 out of 334 health and non-health science students are aware of H-pylori infection and only 28 of them have good knowledge about the infection (Hafiz et al, 2021).…”

“…In comparison, another study done at King Saud University shows that 57.6% of Applied Medical Sciences students and 56.1 % of Nursing College students has poor knowledge of H-pylori infection (Hafiz et al, 2021). Dissimilarly, another study was done with the aim of assessing the level of awareness of the Chinese physicians and population regarding H-pylori infection, showing that the surveyed physicians have a better understanding of H-pylori infection than the general population (Wu et al, 2020).…”

“…However, our final included sample size during data collection was 334. The survey was adapted based on a previously published study (Hafiz et al, 2021). It was publicized to the students via social media platforms.…”

“…Other risk factors include poor hygiene, poor sanitation, and smoking (Kotilea et al, 2019). Around 40% to 50% worldwide carry H-pylori infection (Hafiz et al, 2021). However, in the Riyadh region in Saudi Arabia, the incidence is 34.7%.…”