Assessment of knowledge, awareness, and practices among the Saudi population regarding the risk factors and management of peptic ulcer

Abstract

Background: The symptoms of peptic ulcer (PU) are hard to distinguish from symptoms of other gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorders. Thus, demonstrating the gaps in knowledge might minimize the risk of PU. The study aimed to assess the Saudi population's knowledge, awareness, and practices regarding the risk factors of PU. Methods: A cross-sectional observational, survey-based study was conducted among Saudi adults in Taif. Results: Thirty-six of the participants were aged 18-30 years, 60.1% were males, 61.0% were married, 50.3% were employed, and 94.2% were Saudi. Around 67.8% of the participants were University graduates. The most used medications were paracetamol (32.4%), antibiotics (28.4%), and aspirin/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 16.6%. The median practice score was 7 out of 14 points. Significantly higher median practice scores were observed among participants aged more than 40 years (p-value < 0.001), male participants (p-value < 0.001), unemployed (p-value < 0.001), and participants with chronic diseases (p-value 0.007), while lower scores were reported among single participants (p < 0.001). The median knowledge score was 10 out of 31 points. Significantly higher median knowledge scores were observed among participants aged 18 to 30 years (p-value 0.046), single and widowed participants (p-value 0.036), students/interns (p-value 0.002), and participants with a family history of GIT disorders (p-value < 0.001). Conclusion: Knowledge and practice among the Saudi population regarding PU were inadequate. Educational programs are needed to raise the Saudi population's awareness of PU to prevent and ensure the best patient outcomes.