Knowledge and information sources towards Helicobacter pylori in Jordan

Abstract

In 2017, the Jordanian Ministry of Health reported that gastric cancer was one of Jordan’s most diagnosed cancers. Gastric cancer is often linked to Helicobacter pylori, one of the foremost risk factors. Despite the high prevalence of H. pylori in Jordan, no information is available regarding the general population’s awareness of the harmful effects of this pathogen. The study aims to assess the knowledge and the impact of the source of knowledge on H. pylori among the general population in Jordan. A cross-sectional study involving 933 participants was conducted between May and July of 2021. After meeting the inclusion criteria and consenting to participate in this study, participants completed the questionnaire. An interview-based questionnaire covered the following sections: sociodemographic data and knowledge related to H. pylori infection. 63% of the participants had a high level of education, 70.5% got their information about H. pylori infection from non-medical sources, and 68.7% had a low level of knowledge. Working in the medical field, attaining information from medical resources, and having a history of self-reported or family member of H. pylori infection showed a significant association with a high level of knowledge. The Mann-Whitney U test showed that the mean ranks of all knowledge items in the medical source group significantly exceed those of the non-medical source group (p-values < 0.05). In Jordan, the awareness of H. pylori was unsatisfying, like in other countries. Nevertheless, misconceptions in knowledge about H. pylori were identified and further awareness must be spread and advocated. Close observation of the non-medical sources of information is essential for delivering sufficient amount of knowledge to the general population.

How readable and quality are online patient education materials about Helicobacter pylori?: Assessment of the readability, quality and reliability

“…The researchers emphasized that social programmes and campaigns should be organized to increase awareness. The researchers specifically stated that society should be encouraged to obtain information about H pylori from “reliable sources.” [ 26 ] In another study conducted with 500 participants in the United Arab Emirates, it was emphasized that the general knowledge of the participants about H pylori was weak. In this study, it was reported that only 24.6% of the participants had heard of H pylori , and it was emphasized that 61% of the participants did not know the link between H pylori and stomach cancer.…”

A modeling analysis of whole-body potassium regulation on a high potassium diet: Proximal tubule and tubuloglomerular feedback effects

“…It has also been hypothesized that males and females have different plasma [K + ] set points than males for handling high K + loads [28]. Indeed, this whole-body K + model may be extended to consider sex differences as well as unique physiological states in females that undergo major changes in K + regulation such as pregnancy and lactation [37, 40, 45].…”

Review of foodborne helicobacteriosis

“…The general community appears to lack adequate knowledge regarding H. pylori, particularly regarding its mode of transmission (Hafiz et al, 2021). However, a study conducted by Alaridah et al (2023) revealed the presence of misconceptions and highlighted the need for further expansion and support in knowledge dissemination concerning H. pylori.…”