Prevalency of almost all the kinds of cancer and of H. Pylori bacteria are much higher in developing countries, especially among populations of lower socioeconomic status. On average, seventy percent of Central America is infected with H. Pylori bacteria, which, along with a multitude of other factors common in developing countries (like Costa Rica), leads to higher risk of gastric cancer. The difference between developed countries and developing countries regarding the frequency of gastric diseases implies that most cases are preventable, and through education, significant changes can be made in the incidence rates of a population. However, prior to educating a population, it is first necessary to evaluate and establish what the populous knows and how it perceives each aspect of the diseases. Extensive research already exists and continues to be pursued regarding causes and cures for diseases, but there is little known about the knowledge of Costa Ricans. Our study will gather information from students of some schools and members of agricultural communities in three provinces of Costa Rica with high, medium and low risk of cancer (principally, cancer of stomach). The communities members being targeted by this study are 7 to 12 year old students at the local schools and the agricultural workers. A variety of data types will be gathered throughout the study, some being of a qualitative nature, and others quantifiable. The analysis performed following data gathering (as well as any additional data gathering) will be determined by the initial results of the study. The objective of our study is to determine what Costa Ricans know about cancer and the nature of Helicobacter pylori, about the causes and nature of diseases including gastritis and gastric cancer, about prevention of these diseases, about the way in which they are related, and about the risk factors unique to their socioeconomic levels, professions, and environment. We are hypothesizing that Costa Ricans will have extensive knowledge of the existence of diseases, and have encountered many incidences of the various diseases, but know little of what puts them at higher risk for the diseases (agrochemicals, environment, poor nutritional practices, smoking, etc.), how they are prevented, or of the nature and courses of H. Pylori bacteria and gastric diseases. There are two especially important groups to study when trying to determine what a community knows about disease: the youth and the primary workforce in the community – the agricultural workers.

Where is the evidence that its managed chronic care businesses reduce morbidity and mortality, improve quality of care, increase access to care and save money?