ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Peptic ulcer disease remains a relatively common disease and importantly a common cause of hospital admission both in developed and developing countries. Although most developed countries have achieved H. pylori eradication but still have new and recurrent cases which is attributed majorly to increase utilization of NSAIDs among other reasons. In the developing countries of Africa such as Nigeria the story is even more complex as H. pylori infection is both common and acquired early in life, no eradication of this organism has been achieved and there is also increase utilization of NSAIDs, this would mean more cases, complications and recurrence. Knowledge is believed to translate into positive attitude and recommended practice. This study examines the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices related to PUD among the residents of Basawa, Sabon Gari LGA in Kaduna State.

METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional study was conducted among 152 residents of Basawa town sampled by use of a cluster sampling technique from the 6 major areas, each area used as a cluster and respondents were selected by a simple random sampling. Data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire, and was analysed using SPSS version 21.

RESULT: Majority of the respondents were males 64.5%; Hausa 94.7%; Muslims 99.3; artisans 30.9%; aged 15-24 years 55.9%; having secondary education 61.8%; earn ≤ 18000 Naira/month 75%. 97.4% of them are aware of PUD but only 13.5% knew that PUD is caused by a germ/bacteria. 62.8% do not know that painkiller/NSAID such as ibuprofen is a risk factor. 89.2% believe there is a treatment that cure PUD. 48.6% have had symptoms of PUD in the past and 73.6% of those who had symptoms sought for treatment. There was fair knowledge and fair recommended practice, attitude was positive in 64.4% of respondents. There was relationships between presence of symptoms and occupation. Knowledge of causes and level of education; age group; monthly income.