Abstract:

Background: In developing countries like Tanzania, there’s limited knowledge and awareness about Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium responsible for Peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. Cultural attitude and beliefs about health many impact how H pylori transmission is perceived. Poor hygine and sanitation can facilitate its transmission through contaminated food and water. Addressing this issue requires raising awareness, improving health care access promoting better hygiene and dispelling myths to reduce the burden of H pylori related illness and improve public health in these regions.

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the current level of knowledge, as well as the attitude and practices (KAP) of the adult population in Kisesa, Tanzania.

Methods: A cross sectional study of 366 participants was conducted in convenient random sample of adult population above 18 years from hospitals, health centres, dispensaries and public venues. Those who were available at the time of data collection was given questionnaires after their consent have been obtained. Responses were collected and analyzed using SPSS.

Results: This study has shown that the knowledge score pertaining H. Pylori transmission among the adult population at Kisesa, Mwanza is 34.2, attitude score was 46.93 and practice score was found to be 43.1. The findings revealed significant difference in practice by level of knowledge, attitude, education level and occupation.

Conclusion: Knowledge, attitude and practice is low pertaining Helicobacter Pylori transmission among adult population at Kisesa, Mwanza. Setting specific interventions and innovations are critical to improving health of adult population at Kisesa, given the observed differences between different factors. Different campaigns to increase life style changes should be tailored to adults population. Knowledge based interventions should enhance the understanding of the available risk factors and how to prevent and avoid them pertaining H Pylori transmission.