Prevalence of Peptic Ulcer Disease in Bo, Sierra Leone

Abstract

Background: Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD), ulcer of the gastrointestinal tract in the region of the stomach. This is an important cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world, affecting the lives of millions of people in their everyday lives. However, sufficient and up-to-date data regarding the disease in Sierra Leone are largely lacking. Objectives: The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of PUD among patients in Bo, Sierra Leone. Materials and Methods: The study was a retrospective study in which quantitative methods were used to collect data from a total of 3,754 outpatients ages 15 and older at Bo Government Hospital who were tested for peptic ulcer disease between October 2020 and October 2021. Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) was clinically described as a disruption of the continuity of the gastrointestinal mucosal lining, which appears as sores of at least 0.5cm in diameter. The data collected were analysed using the Statistical Analysis System, version 9.4. Results: The overall prevalence of PUD was 32% (1,202/3,754). Of this, PUD prevalence was 58% (692/1,202) among females and 42% (510/1,202) among males. PUD prevalence was higher (42%) in patients 31–45 years old and lower (9.8%) in older patients (> 50 years). higher (42%) in patients 31–45 years old and lower (9.8%) in older patients (> 50 years). There is no previous published study of PUD in Sierra Leone. Conclusion: The results indicate a rise in burden from PUD in Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone, and call for intervention to mitigate the situation.