KNOWLEDGE, PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF EATING DISORDERS AND PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE AMONG CLINICAL STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA TEACHING HOSPITAL, ITUKU-OZALLA, ENUGU

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Eating disorders and peptic ulcer disease are major health problems among young people, of which clinical students are a composite. It is important to study the prevalence, risk factors and knowledge of eating disorders and peptic ulcer disease among clinical students because their characteristics such as skipping meals, high academic workload, social behaviours, etc. make them prone to developing these illnesses. Objective To determine the prevalence, risk factors and knowledge of eating disorders and peptic ulcer disease among clinical students at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu state. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study of 400 clinical students at the University of Nigeria who were selected using multi-stage sampling. A structured and validated questionnaire was administered by the interviewers who also measured the weights and heights of respondents. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the data. The significance of association was tested with Pearson chi-square, p <0.05 was considered significant. Results The study showed a low risk and prevalence rate (2.9%) of eating disorders. 95.5% had a mild risk of being diagnosed with PUD and most were knowledgeable about the disease entities. A statistically significant relationship exists between average income of participants (p=0.018) and skipping meals (p=0.023). There was also a statistically significant relationship between peptic ulcer disease and smoking (p=0.000) , consumption of alcohol (p=0.036) and herbal concoctions (p=0.036) . Conclusions This study has found a low prevalence, low risk and good knowledge of eating disorders and peptic ulcer disease among clinical students at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla.