Prevalence of peptic ulcer disease and its associated factors in Jeddah Saudi Arabia

Introduction

Peptic ulcer disease's (PUD) global significance, emphasizing its health burdens and associations with factors like Helicobacter pylori infection and lifestyle habits. The need for comprehensive approaches to prevention and management. Despite global research, there's a gap in understanding PUD in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, necessitating this study to inform healthcare policies and interventions in the region. The study aims to investigate PUD prevalence, associated factors, healthcare-seeking behavior, and knowledge levels in Jeddah's population to provide insights for public health strategies and clinical practices.

Methodology

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and its associated factors in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, using a validated questionnaire covered demographic details, knowledge, psychosocial aspects, symptoms, healthcare-seeking behavior, and medical history. It was translated into Arabic, culturally adapted, and validated through expert review and pilot testing. A sample size of 561 participants was determined using an online sample calculator, targeting a 95 ​% confidence level. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Research Review Board (IRRB-02-03,092,023). Data was collected through an online survey using convenience sampling and analyzed with SPSS and Excel, employing both descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

Result

The survey in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, examined peptic ulcer disease (PUD) prevalence and associated factors. Demographic analysis showed 561 participants, almost evenly split by gender (269 males, 292 females), with varying ages and educational backgrounds. Symptoms like abdominal pain were prevalent (398 respondents), as were lifestyle factors such as spicy food consumption (456 respondents) and stress (496 respondents). The study revealed a high PUD prevalence, with 463 respondents (82.53 ​%) reporting a history of the disease, primarily gastric ulcers (256 cases, 45.63 ​%) and duodenal ulcers (207 cases, 36.89 ​%). Treatment mainly involved outpatient antibiotic use (419 respondents, 74.68 ​%), while 44 respondents (7.84 ​%) required hospitalization. Reported well-being levels ranged from 1 to 10, with various satisfaction levels among respondents.

Conclusions

The study highlighted a substantial prevalence of PUD, primarily gastric ulcers, among participants. The findings advocate for tailored interventions, including education, screening, and treatment optimization, to alleviate the PUD burden and enhance healthcare outcomes. The study offers crucial insights into PUD epidemiology, guiding evidence-based prevention and management strategies.