Awareness and Assessment of the Risk Factors Associated with Peptic Ulcer among Public Transport Workers at Selected Terminals in Ibadan Metropolis.

Abstract:

Introduction: Peptic ulcer disease remains one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders worldwide, posing significant health challenges of which Public transport drivers are particularly vulnerable. This is due to irregular eating habits, alcohol consumption, and high stressful work environment. However, awareness of peptic ulcer has been sub-optimal among commercial drivers. Objective: Hence, this study assessed the level of awareness and risk factors associated with peptic ulcer disease among public transport workers at selected motor parks in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted. The total population of drivers at both terminal was 175; Ojoo and Challenge terminals 90 and 85 respectively. Taro Yamane’s formula was used to determine 138 sample size. Participants were selected using convenient sampling technique. A structured and validated questionnaire with Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of .733 was used to collect data. Results: Response rate was 100%. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and results presented with tables, frequencies, and simple percentages. Findings revealed that 30.4% fall within 35-40 years. 107 (78%) had good level of awareness of peptic ulcer’s risk factors. 80.4%, 68.1% and 67.4% believed that late night eating, cigarettes smoking, and alcoholism increases the risk of developing peptic ulcer disease. On lifestyles factors, 49.3% spicy foods, 56.5% regularly drink coffee or caffeinated beverages, and 50.7% never engaged in regular medical checkups. Conclusion/Recommendation: The study concludes that although awareness of peptic ulcer disease among bus drivers is high, misconceptions about its causes and preventive practices remain. Hence, Regular health education, stress management programmes, and workplace-based health screenings are recommended to promote healthier lifestyles and prevent peptic ulcer disease among commercial drivers in Ibadan.