Burden of Peptic Ulcer Disease Among Smoking and Non-Smoking Healthcare Providers A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study in Gazipur, Dhaka

Background: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a significant health concern among healthcare providers, with lifestyle factors such as smoking, dietary habits, and stress being key contributors. This study aims to explore the burden of PUD among smoking and non-smoking healthcare providers in Gazipur District, Bangladesh. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2024, with data collected from 300 healthcare providers (male and female) from several private hospitals and Upazila health complexes in Gazipur. Participants were categorized into smoking and non-smoking groups. A structured questionnaire was used to assess sociodemographic details, lifestyle factors, and PUD symptoms. Statistical analysis included frequency distributions, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of PUD was significantly higher among smokers (65%) compared to non-smokers (19.4%) (p < 0.001). Smokers reported higher levels of stress (72% vs. 42%, p < 0.001) and more frequent consumption of spicy foods (75.6% vs. 38.8%, p < 0.001). A lower BMI (<18.5 kg/m²) was associated with higher PUD prevalence (46.7%, p = 0.002). Multivariable logistic regression revealed smoking (OR 3.85, p < 0.001) and high-stress levels (OR 2.92, p = 0.001) as independent risk factors for PUD. Conclusion: Smoking and high-stress levels were identified as the most significant risk factors for PUD among healthcare providers in Gazipur. The findings suggest the need for targeted health interventions, including smoking cessation programs and stress management strategies, to mitigate the risk of PUD in this population. Further, longitudinal studies are needed to establish causal relationships.