KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PREVENTIVE BEHAVIORS TOWARD HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION AMONG NURSING STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Abstract

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a major cause of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer and can be easily transmitted in the community. Adequate knowledge and preventive behaviors among nursing students are essential for personal protection and future patient education.

Objectives: To determine the median scores of knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors toward Helicobacter pylori infection among nursing students, and to identify associated factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 268 nursing students from first to fourth year at the Faculty of Nursing, University of Health Sciences, using a structured self-administered questionnaire from December 2025 to January 2026.

Results: The median knowledge score was 15 (IQR: 9–17.5), the median attitude score was 26.5 (IQR: 21–29), and the median preventive behavior score was 42 (IQR: 39–45). Knowledge and preventive behavior scores were significantly higher among students aged ≥ 20 years and fourth-year students compared with the corresponding groups (p <0.05). Students with a history of H. pylori infection and those who had previously accessed information about H. pylori demonstrated significantly higher knowledge and attitude scores (p <0.05).

Conclusions: Most students demonstrated high median attitude scores, while knowledge and preventive behavior scores were at a moderate level. Academic year, age, history of H. pylori infection, and sources of information were associated with knowledge and attitude scores.

Keywords: knowledge; attitudes; preventive behaviors; nursing students