Knowledge, screening practice and infection-related behaviors toward Helicobacter pylori among university students in East China—a cross-sectional study

Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection represents a major global health concern related to gastric cancer. University students are at a critical stage of forming health knowledge and behaviors and are expected to play an educational role in future family health, yet research on their HP awareness and practices remains insufficient. This study adopted a cross-sectional design based on convenience sampling and investigated 2,025 university students in East China using a reliable self-developed questionnaire. Among the 1,791 participants who had heard of HP, 30.6%, 42.9%, and 26.5% respectively demonstrated low, moderate, and high levels of HP knowledge. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression revealed that gender, major type, family geographic district, household’s per capita living area, father’s education attainment, and family history of gastrointestinal diseases were independent influencing factors for HP knowledge. Only 22.9% of the participants had ever undergone HP screening, among whom the infection rate was 26.3%. Multivariable binary logistic regression indicated that grade, major type, parental education attainment, gastrointestinal discomfort in the last year, and family history of gastrointestinal diseases significantly influenced screening participation. Meanwhile, frequent consumption of coffee/milk tea, frequent consumption of seafood, higher frequency of fruit and vegetable intake, and household tableware sharing were associated with HP infection. University students exhibited moderate HP knowledge and low screening rates, influenced by multiple factors. Targeted health education and screening promotion are needed to enhance their role in family health communication.