INDIVIDUAL RISK FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE AMONG STUDENT NURSES OF KAMPALA UNIVERSITY MUTUNDWE CAMPUS, LUBAGA DIVISION, KAMPALA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Background:

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine. The study aims to assess the individual risk factors for peptic ulcer disease among student nurses of Kampala University Mutundwe campus, Lubaga division, Kampala district.

Methodology:

A descriptive cross-sectional study design employing quantitative methods of data collection. A sample size of 56 respondents was achieved through a convenient sampling of student nurses who were present for data collection. Data was manually analyzed and tallied, the results were processed using micro-Microsoft Word and Excel programs which were processed and presented in the form of frequency tables, figures, pie charts, graphs, and narratives.

Results:

Majority 45(80%) of the respondents were female while 11(20%) were male. 17(30%) of the respondents have ever been diagnosed with PUD while. 50 (100%), 11(20%) took alcohol whereas, 8(14%) took NSAID drugs 1(2%) smoked or chewed tobacco while 36(64%) neither took alcohol, smoked 40(71%) did not have their meals in time while 16(29%) had their meals in time. 25(44%) had at least two meals daily,16(29%) had three meals in a day 10(18%) had at least one meal daily and 5(9%) had four meals daily. 46(82%) of the respondents had psychological issues while 10(18%) had no psychological issues. 38(68%) of the respondents fed on spiced food while 18(32%) were not eating spiced food.

Conclusion:

Individual factors that contributed to a great number of PUD cases among students were NSAID use, H.pylori infection, skipping of meals, starvation, stress, poor meal timing, eating spiced food, fasting, and taking alcohol.

Recommendations:

Students should be encouraged to seek proper medical care in case they develop signs and symptoms of PUD.