Investigating the factors associated with peptic ulcer disease recurrence among undergraduate students residing in halls of Makerere University

Abstract

Introduction: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) remains a significant health concern globally, particularly among young adults. Recurrent peptic ulcers refer to ulcerations of the stomach, small intestines, or esophagus that subsequently appear at a later interval after previous successful eradication therapy. They are attributed to various factors, such as the unsuccessful eradication of H pylori, smoking, stress, and alcoholism. Objective: To investigate the factors associated with recurrent peptic ulcer disease among undergraduate students residing in halls of residence at Makerere University. Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed, in which structured questionnaires were used to gather data on demographic information, lifestyle factors (diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, and stress), medication adherence, and medical history related to peptic ulcer disease (PUD) among undergraduate students residing in university halls. A total of 349 participants were selected through systematic sampling who had been diagnosed with PUD by a medical practitioner or those who self-reported the condition. Results: The mean age of the participants was 22.80 years with a standard deviation of 0.1039. There was a higher proportion of males, 58.5%, compared to females, 41.5%. The second year of study has the largest representation (40.97%). The prevalence of recurrent PUD was 12.35%. The factors associated with the recurrence of Peptic ulcer disease were: Regularly missing meals (p value=0.037, OR=2.9445, 95% CI=1.0676- 8.1209). PUD diagnosis by stool test (p value=0.004, OR=3.4195, 95% CI 1.4737-7.9347). PUD diagnosis by blood test (p value=0.003, OR=7.8620, 95% CI 1.9834-31.1640). Conclusions: The prevalence of recurrent peptic ulcer disease (PUD) was lower in undergraduate students residing in the halls of residence at Makerere University. Two risk factors were identified that are associated with the recurrence of peptic ulcers within six months: a positive blood test and stool test diagnosis for H. pylori, and missing meals regularly.