RESUMO
Objective: To compare the frequency of patients presenting with peptic ulcer disease [PUD] and peptic perforation during holy month of Ramadan with those presenting the month after Ramadan [Shawwal] in the Hijrah calendar and to assess the effect of risk factors on PUD and peptic perforation such as smoking, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs usage, a previous history of acid peptic disease and the age groups and gender of patients
Study Design: Observational / descriptive study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Medical and Surgical Units of KTH [Khyber Teaching Hospital] Peshawar from 2012 to 2014
Research Methodology: A total of 213 patients were included in this study presenting during this three years period. Patients were included or excluded according to a pre-set [inclusion or exclusion criteria]
Results: 62%[132] of all the patients presented during the three months of Ramadan as compared to 38%[81] of the patients presented three months after the Ramadan, x[2]=8.193, P value is 0.004205 and result is significant at p<0.05.Ninety six[46%] patients were smokers, 132[62%] of the patients were in the 20 to 40 year age group and male to female ratio was 5:1.Symptoms associated with peptic ulcer disease found in patients during Ramadan is more than after Ramadan
Conclusions: This study clearly showed the increased frequency of peptic ulcer disease and peptic perforation during the Holy month of Ramadan stresses on the need of precaution especially for smokers, non-steroidal anti-inflammation drugs users and patients with the history of acid peptic disease during this month