Medical staff knowledge about the different regimens and plans of treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common chronic infections. It is linked to the development of peptic ulcers and is considered an important factor in the development of gastric cancer. With an appropriate therapeutic regimen, the eradication of H. pylori infection can be achieved, gastritis can be cured, and we can alter its progression to the complications. In this study, we aimed to measure medical staff knowledge about the different regimens and treatment plans for H. pylori infection in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A 23-item questionnaire was filled out by 60 internal medicine physicians in the private sector to assess different variables regarding H. pylori knowledge and treatment. Results: A total of 40 responses were included [30 (75%) men, 26 (68%) < 45 years]. We found that a higher knowledge score was more associated with being a male (T = 2.397; p = 0.002) and those having sources of H. pylori's information such as national meetings (T = 2.418; p = 0.020) and internet (T = 2.063; p = 0.046), while the differences in the score of knowledge among age (p = 0.992) and degree/title (p = 0.547) were not significantly different. Conclusion: There are knowledge discrepancies among the participants with a wide spread of data sources regarding H. pylori management, screening, and diagnosis. There was also a statistically valuable difference regarding physicians' choice of information source. Those who obtained their information through national meetings and internet sources were more knowledgeable than those who obtained it in another way. For future research, we suggest exploring the connection between information sources and the knowledge level and attitude concerning treatment plans.