Sapporo Medical Journal

Abstract : Introduction Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a chronic condition stemming from various factors, including H. pylori infection and NSAID use. Though stress was once considered a contributing factor, it has taken a backseat in recent research. To address this, the study aims to evaluate the awareness and prevalence of stress-induced PUD. Methodology This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia during the year 2023 among diagnosed peptic ulcer, symptomatic patients in Saudi Arabia. Data was collected using a formulated questionnaire and analyzed using the SPSS program. Results This study included 481 participants. Clinical characteristics revealed that 35.6% had been diagnosed with peptic ulcers. 65.9% reported never using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Regarding the awareness of PUD, stress was recognized by 30.8% as an important contributing factor. Most participants believed that psychological stress could cause PUD, while 68% acknowledged the significance of smoking. The most common symptom identified was stomach pain (44.9%), and the majority disagreed that a person with a stomach ulcer could remain asymptomatic (44.1%). Conclusion A moderate level of awareness was found among the population regarding the role of stress in peptic ulcer development. While stress is recognized as a potential factor, the relationship between perceived stress levels and peptic ulcers is more complex than previously thought.