Helicobacter pylori knowledge and perception among multi‐ethnic Asians

Abstract Background Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is endemic and causes peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. There is a lack of data related to awareness of the general public about HP and associated health risks. The objective of this study was to investigate the awareness and public perceptions about HP and the attitudes towards screening. Methods This cross‐sectional study included a structured 19‐item questionnaire targeting members of the general public at a restructured acute hospital in Singapore. Results Out of 504 participants, 152 (30.2%) were aware of HP. Higher education was associated with HP awareness ( p < 0.001, OR 7.4, 95% CI 1.6–32.6). A third, 175 (34.7%) of the respondents identified the stomach as the primary site of infection. 131 (26.0%) respondents identified the fecal‐oral route as a mode of transmission. 178 (35.3%) respondents were aware of available screening modalities, with around half of them willing to be screened with blood ( n = 256, 50.8%) or breath tests ( n = 265, 52.6%). 430 (85.3%) participants were keen to learn more about HP, and this was associated with age ( p < 0.05, OR 3.9, 95% CI 2.1–7.1). Conclusion Awareness about HP infection is low, and acceptance of screening tests is high. Educational efforts are needed to improve awareness.