Helicobacter pylori: an assessment of public awareness and acceptance of screening

Research studies involving population screening could be important in assessing short and long-term benefits of eradicating H. pylori. Compliance with screening is an important factor to be considered. Two population studies sought to assess public awareness of H. pylori, interest in screening for the bacterium, and the acceptability of two blood tests. One hundred adults were interviewed in a street survey in Market Harborough, Leicestershire. Although only 4-14% of those interviewed had heard of H. pylori, 73% expressed an interest in screening. In the second study, a population sample of 50 men and women aged 21-55 years, from a general practice in the same town, were offered screening. This sample was divided into two matched groups of 25; one group was offered a test involving venepuncture and the other group was offered a 'near-patient' finger prick test. To confirm results, this exercise was subsequently repeated with a further two groups of 25 subjects. There was an overall acceptance rate of 41% for the actual offer of screening. Overall, 28/50 subjects (56%) accepted venepuncture, but only 13/50 (26%) accepted the finger prick test.