Knowledge, Attitudes, and Treatment Protocols for Helicobacter pylori Infection Among General Practitioners in...

Background Helicobacter pylori is very common worldwide and is a major factor in causing peptic ulcers and stomach cancer. As frontline healthcare providers, general practitioners (GPs) play a vital role in the diagnosis and management of H. pylori infection. However, inconsistencies in knowledge and adherence to treatment guidelines remain a concern in many healthcare settings. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and treatment practices of GPs regarding H. pylori infection in primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 91 GPs working in both government and private PHCs. Data on demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices were collected and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0 (Released 2018; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Chi-square tests were used to assess associations, with p-values <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results Among the respondents, 62.6% believed their knowledge of H. pylori was up to date, and 76.9% reported managing H. pylori cases. Triple therapy was the most commonly prescribed first-line treatment (68.1%), followed by quadruple therapy (29.7%). While 59.3% adhered to the recommended 14-day regimen, 35.2% still prescribed shorter courses. Significant associations were found between years of experience and knowledge level (p = 0.042), as well as between experience and choice of treatment regimen (p = 0.001). GPs in private clinics were more likely to treat H. pylori (p = 0.006) and more frequently used quadruple therapy (p = 0.007). Conclusions Although most GPs demonstrated awareness and a willingness to treat H. pylori, notable variations in knowledge and clinical practice persist. Clinical experience and healthcare settings significantly influence treatment decisions. These findings underscore the need for continuous professional development and the adoption of standardized treatment protocols in primary care.