Knowledge, preventive measures and coping strategy by the patients in relation to Helicobacter pylori infection at the Buea Regional Hospital

Abstract

Background: Peptic ulcers are sores found in the lining of the stomach, the upper portion of the mall intestines or the lining of the oesophagus that can cause moderate to severe burning pain. Some risk factors of peptic ulcers include: Helicobacter pylori infection (HPI), regular intake of analgesics, Zollinger-Ellison-Syndrome, acidic over-production, stress and many associated risk factors. This study was carried out in the South West Region of Cameroon, in the Buea Regional Hospital. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of peptic ulcer, patient’s knowledge of the disease, its risk factors, measures set in place by the participants to prevent themselves and ways patients manage the disease.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study run from 1st March to 15 May 2022. A total of 436 participants were enrolled for the study. The H. pylori fecal antigen test was used to carry out this study. A structured questionnaire was designed and standardized. Data was collected through structured interviews. Data was entered into Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and analyzed using the SAS (Statistical Analyse System, California, USA) version 9.1.

Results: The prevalence of H. pylori was 42% (183/436). The participants had poor knowledge (76.10%) of the disease, its manifestations, and ways of prevention and management.

Conclusion: The prevalence of H. pylori among patients was 42%. The population had poor knowledge of the disease and they do not perceive it as a basic threat to them.