Adequacy of practice regarding Helicobacter pylori eradication in Al-madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Background: H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) is one of the most common infections worldwide, with a high prevalence in both developed and developing countries. Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding H. pylori infection diagnosis and treatment among Primary Health Care Physicians in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed at primary healthcare centers in Al-Madinah city between 2021-2022. Data were collected by distributing a self-administered questionnaire to primary healthcare physicians. Student's t-test and chi squared test were used to evaluate the differences in means and proportions, respectively. Results: In total, 100 participants were included in this study. The majority (91%) reported that the standard empirical treatment for H. pylori eradication was triple therapy. The treatment duration was reported to be 14 days in the majority of participants (73%). Conclusion: This study concluded that the current practice regarding H. pylori eradication in Al-Medinahis unsatisfactory. It is necessary to implement measures to increase the adequacy of practice by providing clear and updated guidelines on this important public health issue.