Investigating Stress level in Peptic Ulcer Patients: A Study at Agbado Oke-Odo Primary Healthcare Centre, Lagos State

Background and Objective: Stress is a significant global health concern that may exacerbate chronic conditions like peptic ulcer disease (PUD). It affects individuals' physiological and psychological well-being, contributing to both the onset and progression of various illnesses. This study assessed stress levels among PUD patients and examined their association with disease progression in Lagos, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 190 PUD patients attending Agbado Oke-Odo Primary Healthcare Centre. Participants were selected through systematic sampling. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire that captured sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, and perceived stress levels. Stress levels were assessed using a validated stress scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, with descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics, including Chi-square tests to determine associations between variables. The level of significance for the statistical tests was set at 0.05. Results: The prevalence of high stress among participants was 42.0%, followed by moderate stress at 40.2%, and low stress at 17.8%. Nearly half of the respondents (49.5%) reported a confirmed history of PUD. A statistically significant association was found between high stress levels and increased risk and severity of PUD symptoms (p<0.05). Other factors such as age, gender, and occupational status also appeared to influence stress levels and disease progression, although these associations were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The study reveals a high prevalence of stress among PUD patients and a significant correlation between stress and PUD severity. These findings underscore the need to incorporate psychological assessment and stress management strategies into routine PUD care. Integrating mental health services into primary healthcare could improve patient outcomes and enhance overall disease management in Nigeria and similar settings.