FINDING THE RISK FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE AMONG PATIENTS VISITING JINNAH HOSPITAL LAHORE

Prevalence of peptic ulcers disease is higher in third world countries like Pakistan where it is estimated at about 70 per cent of the population, whereas developed countries show a maximum of 40 per cent ratio. The disease is transmitted by food, contaminated groundwater, and through human saliva. Due to its lethality and high prevalence it is necessary to understand the prevention, treatment and change in life style that may help its risks. Background: The incidence and prevalence of peptic ulcer disease has decreased in recent years, most of the risk factors (NSAIDS, H. Pylori, smoking, stress and dietary habits) are modifiable. The Recent trends from the previous researches shows that excessive use of aspirin pain killers and infection from H. Pylori accounts for more than 50% of the peptic ulcer cases presented. Objective: The aim of the research was investigation of the various risk factors (modifiable and non-modifiable) prevalent in patients of peptic ulcer disease presented at Jinnah Hospital Lahore Ma teria l a nd Metho d s: Stud y Desig n: Cross Sectional Stud y Setting a nd d ura tio n: Setting: Jinnah Hospital Lahore. Duration of Study: 3 months. Inclusio n criteria : Patients diagnosed as suffering from PUD following Endoscopy or suffering from 3 of the 4 major symptoms/features (epigastric pain, family history, nausea and vomiting, heart burn). Da ta Co llectio n a nd a na lysis: A sample of 100-150 patients is recruited from Jinnah hospital, Lahore. The procedure and purpose were explained and consent was taken from study participants. Confidentiality was ensured. Participants were free to leave the study any time. It took approximately 20 minutes to complete the questionnaire. The data thus collected was analyzed with the help of SPSS (version 17). Results: The Major Risk factors (Family History, NSAIDs, H. Pylori infection, High stress levels, low socio-economic status, smoking) contribute to around 60-80% of all cases of PUD. Out of total 110 patients interviewed, 60% of cases had h/o NSAIDs use. 90% were either hypertensive or had high stress levels. 80% of the cases lived in overcrowded residencies. Endoscopy reveals H. pylori in majority of the patients. Most of the male patients were smokers. The Minor Risk factors (caffeine, nicotine, alcoholism, history of radiotherapy/chemotherapy, co morbid conditions, O Blood group, sedentary life style, unhealthy dietary habits and use of tranquilizers) contribute to around 20-40% of all cases of PUD. Co nclusio ns: The Study establishes that peptic ulcer is directly related to NSAIDs use, stressful life style, and poor socio economic status while healthy eating habits and physical exercise can help prevent PUD and its complications. Key words: Peptic ulcer, H.Pylori, NSAID's.