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

Abstract

Background:

pylori prevalence is high among adults aged 18–40 years and is associated with cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor sanitation. The study aims to investigate social 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:

At the time of the exercise, the certificate students were not readily available to participate in the interview; 46(82%) of the respondents had both parents alive, while 10(18%) had lost their parents. 41(73%) of the respondents fasted while 15(27%) did not fast. This is supported by the country’s religious strength and the freedom to worship. Above, 8(14%) of the respondents were offered financial support by their parents, while 48(86%) did not receive any financial support from their parents. 13,24(43%) of the respondents had family members diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease, while 32(57%) of the respondents did not have any family member diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease. 29(52%) respondents had family members who smoked cigarettes or took alcohol, and 27(48%) who neither smoked cigarettes nor took alcohol.

 Conclusions:

Social factors also contributed to PUD cases among students, where some students had a family history of PUD cases, religions like Christianity and the Muslim religion, who engage in fasting, and having friends or family members who take alcohol increased the risk of developing PUD among students.

 Recommendations:

The students should be encouraged to always take their meals on time and avoid skipping meals.