KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS LEVEL OF THE GENERAL POPULATION OF SAUDIARABIA REGARDING HELICOBACTER PYLORI INDUCED GASTRIC ULCERS ANDCANCER: A CROSS- SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that infects the stomach. It is the most
bacterial infection in the world. H. pylori infection can cause a variety of gastric diseasescommon,
including gastritis, gastric ulcer, and gastric cancer. . The purpose of this study was to assess Knowledge
and Awareness level of Saudi population regarding Helicobacter Pylori induced gastric ulcer and
cancer.
Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 28 item questionnaire-based assessment was carried out
by enrolling and taking prior consent for Saudi people of either sex aged above 18 years. The study
instrument was divided into three modules allocating questions and analyzed.
Results: As regard knowledge and awareness score about H.Pylori, a majority of the respondents
(51.6%) possess a low level of knowledge about this common gastric pathogen. (37.8%) exhibits a
moderate level of understanding and a relatively small percentage (10.6%) with a high level of
knowledge and awareness. Regarding the attitude score about H.Pylori, 47.4%, exhibited a neutral
attitude. Conversely, a significant proportion, 33.2%, demonstrated a positive attitude and 19.4% of the
respondents exhibited a negative attitude.
Conclusion: the study revealed a concerning lack of knowledge and awareness among the general
population regarding Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric ulcers and cancer. The majority of respondents
exhibited a low level of knowledge about this common gastric pathogen, highlighting the need for
educational initiatives and public awareness campaigns.