Cognition and application of Helicobacter pylori infection among medical specialist in Anhui

Objective To survey the cognition and application of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection among medical specialist in Anhui. Methods From May 2018 to October 2018, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 1 200 medical specialist in Anhui, including 281 gastroenterologists (GI), 588 general practitioners (GP), and 256 gastroenterology nurses (GN). There were 5 parts in the questionnaire, including the knowledge and performance of the Consensus (9 questions), the indications of Hp eradication (6 questions), detection methods of Hp (8 questions), the therapy of Hp eradication (5 questions) and how to treat the screening and negative effects of Hp eradication therapy (3 questions). Results Total 1 125 valid questionnaires were received with a response rate of 93.75% (1 125/1 200). The awareness rate of the Consensus in GI, GP and GN groups was 80.43% (226/281), 55.95% (329/588) and 27.34% (70/256), respectively (χ²=152.956, P＜0.001). Ninety-one point one zero percent (256/281) GI, 68.20% (401/588) GP and 67.19% (172/256) GN groups considered that "confirmed Hp infection" was the indications of Hp eradication therapy, respectively (χ²=58.679, P＜0.001). Conclusion The fifth consensus has not been fully applied to the clinical diagnosis and treatment by medical specialist in Anhui Province. Gastroenterologists are more likely to adhere with the Consensus than general practitioners and gastroenterological nurses in the management of Hp infection. We need to further strengthen the learning and applicating of medical specialist on consensus.