Assessing Knowledge, Practices, Attitudes and Barriers of Puplic Population Regarding Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Upper Egypt: Cross- Sectional Study

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the human stomach and is known for its role in the development of various gastrointestinal diseases. It is a major etiological factor in chronic peptic ulcer disease, which includes both gastric and duodenal ulcers.

The bacterium's ability to survive in the acidic environment of the stomach is facilitated by its production of urease, which neutralizes stomach acid. Chronic infection with H. pylori can lead to severe complications such as peptic ulcers, gastritis, and chronic indigestion (dyspepsia) making it a significant public health concern worldwide. It can lead to serious conditions such as stomach cancer (gastric adenocarcinoma) and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma.

Helicobacter Pylori is one of the most common chronic infections that infect approximately 4.4 billion individuals worldwide. The area with the highest reported prevalence was reported in Africa (70.1%) while the lowest prevalence was reported in Switzerland (18.9%). The prevalence of HP shows large geographical variation with infection rates much higher in developing countries (in some areas > 85 %) than in Europe and North America (approximately 30%-40%). In various developing countries, more than 80% of the population is HP positive, even at young ages.

The significance of conducting research on H. pylori lies in its substantial burden on global health. Peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer, both of which are associated with H. pylori infection, result in considerable morbidity and mortality.

Understanding the epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and pathogenic mechanisms of H. pylori is crucial for developing better prevention and treatment strategies. Additionally, research into antibiotic resistance patterns is essential for informing clinical practice and ensuring the continued efficacy of eradication regimens. Current research has extensively documented the global prevalence of H. pylori, with infection rates varying widely across different regions and populations.