Leli Oktavia, Fadil Imran

The impact of knowledge on recurrent gastritis episodes in adolescents: A study at Subang Hospital

Introduction

The impact of knowledge on recurrent gastritis episodes in adolescents: a study at subang hospital. Discover how knowledge levels impact recurrent gastritis in adolescents. A Subang Hospital study links low knowledge to higher recurrence, emphasizing crucial health education.

Abstract

Background: Gastritis is a common gastrointestinal disorder among adolescents, influenced by unhealthy lifestyle choices, stress, and inadequate knowledge about prevention. Recurrent episodes significantly affect adolescents' quality of life, academic performance, and overall health. Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between adolescents' knowledge about gastritis and the recurrence of gastritis episodes at Subang Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 70 adolescents aged 12–18 years who had been diagnosed with gastritis. Data were collected using validated questionnaires assessing knowledge about gastritis and medical records to confirm recurrence. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests to determine the association between knowledge levels and recurrence rates. Results: The findings indicated a significant relationship between knowledge levels and gastritis recurrence (p < 0.05). Adolescents with low knowledge levels were more likely to experience recurrent gastritis episodes compared to those with higher knowledge. Female participants demonstrated slightly better knowledge but reported higher recurrence rates, possibly linked to stress-related factors. Conclusion: This study highlights the critical role of knowledge in preventing recurrent gastritis among adolescents. Comprehensive health education programs that address knowledge gaps, promote healthy behaviors, and incorporate stress management strategies are essential to reducing the prevalence of gastritis recurrence in this age group.

Review

This study, titled 'The impact of knowledge on recurrent gastritis episodes in adolescents: A study at Subang Hospital,' addresses a highly pertinent public health issue concerning recurrent gastritis in adolescents. The topic is critically relevant given the significant impact of this condition on adolescents' quality of life, academic performance, and overall health. The stated purpose is clear and directly aligns with the methodology employed – a cross-sectional design utilizing validated questionnaires and chi-square analysis. The primary finding, indicating a significant relationship between knowledge levels and gastritis recurrence (p < 0.05), provides valuable and actionable insights into a modifiable risk factor within this vulnerable age group. While the study offers compelling evidence of an association, a primary limitation stems from its cross-sectional design, which inherently prevents the establishment of causality. Although a significant relationship is identified, it cannot definitively conclude that low knowledge *causes* recurrence, but rather that it is associated with it, potentially influenced by other confounding factors. The sample size of 70 adolescents, while adequate for statistical analysis, is relatively modest and might limit the generalizability of the findings to broader adolescent populations beyond Subang Hospital. Furthermore, the intriguing observation regarding female participants reporting higher recurrence despite slightly better knowledge, attributed speculatively to 'stress-related factors,' warrants deeper exploration. Without direct measurement or robust qualitative data on stress, this remains an unproven hypothesis that could be a rich area for future research. Despite these methodological considerations, the study's conclusions are robust and highly actionable. It strongly reinforces the critical role of knowledge in preventing recurrent gastritis and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive health education programs. The recommendation for integrating stress management strategies into these programs is particularly insightful, given the observed gender-based trends. This research offers a solid foundation for developing targeted public health interventions and clinical guidance for adolescents. While acknowledging its limitations, the study makes a meaningful contribution to understanding gastritis recurrence in this vulnerable population and is recommended for publication, with these points considered for discussion within the manuscript.

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