Peptic ulcer disease in hospitalized patients: a comprehensive risk factor analysis using a validated checklist

BACKGROUND: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) remains a significant public health concern globally, particularly in regions with high prevalence of risk factors such as Helicobacter pylori infection and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) use. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PUD and its associated risk factors among hospitalized patients in a tertiary hospital in southwest Iran. METHODS: A mixed-methods design was employed, including a comprehensive literature review, checklist development and validation via a modified Delphi process, a cross-sectional prevalence study, and a hospital-based case-control study. Data were collected from 43,324 patient records (2019-2023) at Abadan University Teaching Hospital. Risk factors were assessed using a validated 21-item checklist, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of PUD. RESULTS: Among all admissions, 6,874 cases of PUD were identified, indicating a point prevalence of 15.9% (95% CI: 15.6-16.2). NSAID use (75.3%), H. pylori infection (70.1%), smoking (46.9%), and corticosteroid use (30.2%) were highly prevalent among PUD patients. Significant independent risk factors included age ≥ 60 years (AOR: 1.65), NSAID use (AOR: 2.58), H. pylori positivity (AOR: 2.41), smoking (AOR: 1.45), and ulcer size ≥ 5 mm (AOR: 2.19). Despite the high rate of NSAID use, only 26.4% received gastroprotective therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the high burden of PUD in hospitalized patients in southwest Iran, with modifiable risk factors such as NSAID use, H. pylori infection, and smoking playing a critical role. Targeted interventions, including Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) co-prescription, H. pylori eradication, and lifestyle modifications, are essential to reduce PUD incidence and its complications.