Individual factors contributing to peptic ulcer disease among student nurses at Kampala University School of Health Science. A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background:

The study aims to investigate Individual factors contributing to peptic ulcer disease among student nurses at Kampala University School of Health Science.

 Methodology:                                   

A descriptive cross-sectional study design employing quantitative methods of data collection, which involved the use of numerical values to assess the information. The target population was student nurses of Kampala University because they were the most affected by peptic ulcer disease due to the prevailing conditions faced by students. A sample size of 56 respondents was used.

 Results:

Out of 50 (100%) of the respondents11(20%) took alcohol, whereas 8(14%) took NSAID drugs, 1(2%) smoked or chewed tobacco, while 36(64%) neither took alcohol, smoked, nor chewed tobacco nor took NSAID drugs. The majority of 40(71%) of the respondents did not have their meals on time, while 16(29%) of the respondents had their meals on time. 25(44%) of the respondents 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. 23(41%) of the respondents were of blood group A, 14(25%) were of blood group B, 11(20%) were of blood group AB, and 8(14%) were of blood group O. According to the graph in Figure 5 above, 15(27%) of the respondents fed on rice, 12(21%) fed on meat, 11(20%) fed on beans,10(18%) fed on posho while 8(14%) fed on other food.

 Conclusion:

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

 Recommendations

The university should provide a counseling section for students to avoid psychological stress, hence reducing the risk of PUD