Peptic ulcer disease and Jamaican patients' awareness of their disorder

In the management and prevention of recurrence of peptic ulcer disease, patients' awareness of their disorder is essential. Fifty-one patients with peptic ulcer disease were studied regarding their awareness of their disorder and compliance with medications. There were 30 women and 21 men with a mean age of 45 years. Thirty-five per cent had secondary school education; 22% had tertiary training and 10% had no formal education. Sixty-three per cent of patients knew their ulcer location but 37% were unaware of their diagnosis. Twenty-nine per cent received most of their information from their pharmacists. Twenty per cent of patients smoked cigarettes; 31% drank alcohol, and 14% took non-steroidal analgesics. Seventy-six per cent thought that poor eating habits were a contributory cause of their ulcer; 39% thought that stress was a cause and 16% implicated heredity. Seventy-six per cent of patients took their medications daily, and 24% only when symptomatic. Jamaican patients' awareness of their ulcer disease is inadequate. There is a need for more physician education of their patients as well as public health promotion about peptic ulcer disease.