Abstract:

Background; Peptic ulcer disease refers to breaking of the inner lining of the stomach, duodenum or even the lower esophagus. The most common symptoms of PUD is upper abdominal pain whereby stomach ulcers worsen with eating while duodenal ulcers improve with eating. Other symptoms include vomiting, belching and decreased appetite and complications of PUD include bleeding, perforation and blockage of stomach. A microaerophilic curved bacillus Helicobacter pylori is thought to be the major factor for pathogenesis of PUD, however, the disease is thought to have other risk factors including prolonged use of NSAIDs, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, prolonged use of steroids, starvation and psychological stress which work independently or dependently on developing Peptic Ulcers Disease.

Aim of the study: To determine the level of knowledge on risk factors and practice on prevention of Peptic Ulcer Disease among CUHAS pre-clinical medical students.

Methodology; A cross sectional survey study which recruited first and second year students of the faculty of Doctor of Medicine. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire collecting information based on the knowledge on risk factors for PUD and practice on prevention of PUD. The data was then recorded and analyzed using a computer program SPSS version 20.

Results: 215 participants were recruited where most of them knew that PUD was caused by a pathogen and that the causative agent was H. pylori (74.4%). Other identified risks were prolonged use of NSAIDs, psychological stress, starvation and alcohol consumption (67%, 93%, 95.8% and 81.9% respectively). This showed good knowledge. The majority drunk boiled or treated water, washed fruits before being eaten, abstained from using tobacco and observed hygienic practices after using the restroom (78.1%, 83.7%, 92.6% and 74.4% respectively) which showed good practices among the participants.

Conclusion: The study at hand conducted among pre-clinical medical students showed that they had good knowledge on the risk factors for developing PUD. Additionally, the participants were aware on the practices to prevent peptic ulcer disease.