Issues in Dietary Practices and Peptic Ulcer Disease Management among Registered Adults Patients in Hospitals in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State

Abstract

This study focused on dietary practices and peptic ulcer disease management among registered adult patients in hospitals in Nsukka Local Government area (LGA), Enugu state. Specifically, it determined dietary practices needed to be adopted by patients in management of peptic ulcer; dietary practices presently adopted by patients; and perceived ways dietary practices of patients influence peptic ulcer disease management. Descriptive survey design was adopted. Population comprised of 520 diagnosed ulcer patients and 62 health workers from two hospitals in Nsukka LGA. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. Mean, standard deviation and t-test at 0.05 level of significance were used for data analyses. Findings reveals 15 practices patients need to adopt, including ensuring adequate intake of vitamins C and E (X̅= 3.22), eating regular small meals (X̅= 3.14), avoiding spicy foods (X̅ = 2.89) among others. Patients’ adoption of the 15 practices was generally low with grand mean score of X̅g = 2.14. Only two practices obtained means of ≥ 250. Further findings reveal 12 perceived ways dietary practices influence peptic ulcer management. These include, among others, eating small portions, frequent meals (X̅ = 2.96) and taking vitamins C and E (X̅ = 2.89). There were no significant differences betqween the mean responses of patients and medical personnel at 0.05 level of significance. Four recommendations were made.