ASSESSMENT OF SYMPTOMS, RISK FACTORS, PRESCRIBING PATTERNS AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Peptic ulcer disease is one of the most common diseases, affecting approximately 50% of the world population. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, 
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and low-dose aspirin use are three independent and the most important modifiable risk factors. This 
study aims to assess the symptoms, risk factors, prescribing patterns and quality of life inpeptic ulcer disease in a tertiary care hospital. A prospective 
cross-sectional and observational study was conducted at Bhimavaram from June 2018 to December 2018. Details regarding the past medical history 
and medication history, symptoms, risk factor, prescribing patterns, current therapy were obtained by patient interview and by observing case notes and 
their quality of life were assessed by using Short form -36 questionnaires. Descriptive statistics of demographics included percentages, mean and 
standard deviation. Paired t-test was used for determining if there is any significance in the change detected before and after treatment. Out of 150 
patients, 72.66% were males and the remaining 27.33% were females. Mean age was 42.95 ± 12.9 years. In the present study, risk for PUD was 
associated with H. pylori and NSAID’s. Most commonly used drugs were esomeprazole based H.P kit. The response scores of all the questions in SF
36 questionnaire increased statistically, which indicates the improvement in Quality of life after treatment. The study concludes that H. pylori is the 
major risk factor and is effectively managed by using esomeprazole based triple therapy. Peptic ulcer invariably affects the quality of life of the affected 
individuals through changes in daily routine.