peptic ulcer disease

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) remains a major global health concern, with misconceptions about its causes and prevention influencing health-seeking behavior. Nursing students, as future healthcare providers, require accurate knowledge and sound preventive practices. This study assessed knowledge, preventive practices, misconceptions, and influencing factors regarding PUD among undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin, Edo State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. A total of 255 questionnaires were distributed, with 249 valid responses obtained (97.6% response rate). Data were collected using structured self-administered questionnaires and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Knowledge scores were categorized as good (≥0.70), fair (0.50–0.69), or poor (<0.50). Results showed that 78% of respondents demonstrated good overall knowledge of PUD, with strengths in symptom recognition (96.4%) and causative role of Helicobacter pylori (74.7%). However, knowledge gaps persisted in H. pylori transmission (51.8%) and NSAID-related ulcer formation (63.9%). Preventive practices recorded a grand mean of 0.66, reflecting moderate adherence, with good performance in avoiding unprescribed painkillers (mean = 0.82) and maintaining hydration (mean = 0.79), but poor adherence regarding alcohol (0.42) and tobacco use (0.37). Major influencing factors included level of study (mean = 3.30), academic workload (3.07), and healthcare accessibility (3.09). Misconceptions persisted, particularly stress as a sole cause (mean = 0.42) and treatment discontinuation after symptom relief (0.55). Despite good baseline knowledge, the persistence of misconceptions and moderate preventive practices indicate a knowledge–practice gap requiring targeted educational interventions.

Helicobacter Pylori infection has been identified as an important risk factor for the development of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and gastric cancers. The purpose of this study aimed to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection and associated risk factors in undergraduate students of college of medical science and faculty of Agriculture in University of Benin. Whole blood samples were randomly collected from 93 participants both male and female and analyzed using antibodies against H. pylori. Participants' demographic and clinical information were obtained using a structured questionnaire. The study results showed that out of 93 selected participants, 59 (63.9%) showed positive for Helicobacter Pylori antibodies, while 34(36.6.%) were negative for Helicobacter antibodies. Popularity of Helicobacter Pylori infection was f o u n d t o b e sl i g h t l y h i g h e r i n f e ma l e p a rt i c i p a n ts c om p a r e d wi t h ma l e participants. Based on age, the prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori infection was significantly higher (P<0.05) in participants from 16 to 25 years old compared to other age groups. Symptomatic participants primarily complained of heartburn, followed by loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating and eventually vomiting. However, none of them complained about vomiting blood. Identifiable risk factors associated with infection include misuse of pain killers drugs, infected drinking water, living with someone having the bacteria among others .The aim of this work was to generate information focusing on the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in study participants. The information generated will help provide the public health intervention needed to examine these issues and provide evidence-based prevention to students inthe College of Medical Sciences and the Faculty of Agriculture as well as the generalpopulation of the University of Benin