Pervasiveness and Sway of Peptic Ulcer Caused by Heliocobacter Pylori H. Pylori among Undergraduate Students in Wukari, Taraba State, North East, Nigeria

Peptic ulcer disease is one of the most common chronic infections in human population. Regardless of centuries of research, it still worries a lot of individuals, especially in the third world countries. Expressive investigation on the pervasiveness and impact of peptic ulcer was carried out among two hundred (200) undergraduate students in Federal University Wukari and Kwararafa University Wukari, Taraba State, North East, Nigeria with the use of well-designed and detailed questionnaires. These studies showed that majority of the students were between the ages of 21-25 years (108) representing (54%) and ages between 31 – 35 years has the lowest 8(4%). One hundred and three (103) of the 200 students reported to have ulcer (51.5%) whereas 97 (48.5%) of the total students reported no ulcer. Preponderance of the students have duodenal ulcer 67 (65%) whereas 36 (35%) has gastric ulcer and this gives ratio of approximately 2:1 respectively. The students reported the use of antacids 40 (39%), antibiotics 30 (29%), proton pump inhibitors (PPI) 8(9%), herbal medicine 18 (18%) and histamine 7 (7%) in the treatment of peptic ulcer, some students however, reported the used of mixed treatment. Conclusively, this study shed light on the prevalence of peptic ulcer (gastric and duodenal). Eliminating or reducing the drinking of alcohols if possible and helping the ulcer to heal with medication. Medications for treatment of ulcer include antibiotic medications to kill H. pylori. Also lessening of acid producing foods and drinks should be shunned. Avoiding tobacco products,caution with aspirin, non- ignoring ulcer symptoms, protect one from infections by washing hands regularly and consuming foods that have been cooked thoroughly are sure ways of preventing peptic ulcer.