Helicobacter pylori Infection in Croatian Population: Knowledge, Attitudes and Factors Influencing Incidence and Recovery

Abstract

Basic and clinical knowledge about Helicobacter pylori infections has been improved in the past. However, the translation of this knowledge into public health intervention has remained poor. A survey based cross-sectional study was performed to assess the factors regarding the H. pylori infection in the general population. The survey was conducted using a previously developed questionnaire, adapted for the population in Croatia. Respondents (N = 1131) had a good knowledge score with a median of 4 out of 5 correct answers (interquartile range: 2–4). Senior participants had a lower frequency of high knowledge answers about H. pylori (43.1%) compared to younger (56.1%) and middle-aged participants (51.5%, p = 0.014). Rural participants had a higher frequency of low knowledge answers compared to urban and suburban ones (21.7% vs. 9.5% and 9.4%, p = 0.011). Only 315 participants (27.9%) were screened for the H. pylori infection, despite high support for the screening programs among the untested (74.7%) and tested (85.7%). Habits of smoking (p = 0.036) and coffee drinking (p = 0.008) were associated with more symptoms after eradication therapy. Further education is needed for the groups at risk for H. pylori infection, especially to raise the awareness of the importance of screening programs. More research is warranted to assess the effects of dietary changes on therapy outcomes.

Factors Associated With the Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori Infections Among Patients Aged 10-25 Years Attending Makonge Health Centre Iii, Buikwe District. A Cross-Sectional Study.

“…Also, the majority, 66(69%) did not know the cause and prevention of H.pylori infection (ulcers), the minority knew the cause and prevention of H.pylori infection (ulcers), and the majority, 70(73%) of the respondents did not know the signs and symptoms and the rest 26(27%) of respondents knew signs and symptoms of H.pylori infection (ulcers). Thus respondents thought they had ever heard about H.pylori, were not well informed about it, this study however disagreed with a study done by (Pavle, et al, 2022) to assess the knowledge and factors regarding H. pylori infection in the general population of Croatia where only 43.1% of the respondents had low knowledge about H.pylori including its cause, signs and symptoms and prevention. This would be because of the difference in the development of the country's medical health in Croatia and Uganda in the Kiyindi town council.…”

Studying the Awareness of Syrian Private University Students About H. Pylori

“…In another study conducted in Croatia on a large sample and included various backgrounds of society, a remarkable result was reached in terms of general knowledge among the population about the germ, and this is due, according to the study, to focusing on groups with less knowledge of the germ and enhancing their knowledge, such as residents of remote areas and the elderly (12).…”