CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Peptic ulcer disease is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by mucosal injury caused by pepsin and stomach acid production. It most commonly occurs in the stomach and proximal duodenum; less frequently, it occurs in the lower esophagus, distal duodenum, or jejunum, as in unopposed hyperse-cretory states like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, hiatal hernias, or ectopic gastric mucosa (e.g., in Meckel’s diverticulum) (Kim, Kim, Kim 2010). In the United States, H. pylori infection and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) are the leading causes of peptic ulcer disease, accounting for 48 and 24 percent of cases, respectively (Table 1). 4 Other infections and comorbidities (e.g., CMV, TB, Crohn’s disease, hepatic cirrhosis, chronic renal failure, sarcoidosis, myeloproliferative disorder) are linked to an increased risk of peptic ulcer disease. Critical illness, surgery, or hypovolemia that results in splanchnic hypoperfusion can cause gastroduodenal erosions or ulcers (stress ulcers), which can be asymptomatic or present with bleeding or perforation (Kim, Kim, Kim 2010). Smoking raises the likelihood of recurrence of ulcers and hinders healing. A risk factor is something that increases the likelihood of developing a health concern.

The incidence of peptic ulcer disease has transitioned from male preponderance to equal occurrences in males and females. Men have a lifetime prevalence of 11 percent -14 percent while women have a prevalence of 8-11 percent. The age trends for ulcer incidence show a decline in younger males, notably for duodenal ulcers, and an increase in elderly women.

(Atherton, Cao, Peek, Tummuru, Blaser, 2001) observed that Peptic ulcer disease can occur with or without the following factors. People who have a lot of risk factors have a higher probability of developing it.

The most prevalent risk factor for peptic ulcer disease is H. pylori infection.

Medicines:

Medicines that may increase the risk include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Corticosteroids used orally

Biphosphonates

Chloride of potassium

Chemotherapy medicines are cancer-treating medications.

Health Issues

The following health issues may increase the risk:

Infection with Cytomegalovirus

The Crohn’s disease

Other Considerations

Other factors that may increase the risk include:

Smoking

consuming alcoholic beverages

Having blood type O

Having a family history of peptic ulcer illness

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Women are mostly known to be susceptible to peptic ulcer. Research shows that this might be because of their digestive, reproductive tracts. Most women are prone to take NSAID’s due to menstrual cramps, pregnancy pains, and general pains. Age factors also contributes to this perception that women are mostly at risk of peptic ulcer. What are women to do to stop the increase in the number of peptic ulcer patients?

How can women reduce the risk factor associated with this? (Atherton, Cao, Peek, Tummuru, Blaser, 2001).

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The primary objective of this study is to assess public perception on the  risk factors associated with peptic ulcer disease among women in benue state. Other objectives of the study are:

i.          To find out the relationship between peptic ulcer and women

ii.        To examine the effects of peptic ulcer on women

iii.      To examine how the age factor in peptic ulcer in women

iv.      To find out how health factors cause peptic ulcer in women

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will be beneficial to women as the findings will reveal the risk factors of peptic ulcer and how it affects them. This study will also be beneficial to the medical society as more research can be carried out to that will be helpful to women and peptic ulcer.

1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study will be focused on the assessment of public perception on the  risk factors associated with peptic ulcer disease among women in benue state. It will also look at the relationship and effects of peptic ulcer on women.

Finally, selected women in Makurdi, Benue State will serve as enrolled participants for this study.

1.6 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study will be limited to the assessment of public perception on the  risk factors associated with peptic ulcer disease among women in benue state. It will also look at the relationship and effects of peptic ulcer on women. It will not be looking at the risk factors of other disease. This study will be carried out in Benue State and as such the results cannot be used in any other part of the world until further research is carried out.

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Public perception: the action of assessing someone or something.

Risk factors: Something that increases the chance of developing a disease

Peptic ulcer: a lesion in the lining (mucosa) of the digestive tract, typically in the stomach or duodenum, caused by the digestive action of pepsin and stomach acid.