Prevalence and Management of Peptic Ulcer Disease Among Adults Attending a District Hospital in Niger State

Background: Peptic ulcer disease remains a prevalent gastrointestinal condition in Nigerian primary care settings, with significant implications for quality of life and productivity. This study determines the prevalence and management patterns of peptic ulcer disease among adults attending a district hospital in Minna, Niger State, in the North Central geopolitical zone. Methods: A retrospective review of outpatient gastrointestinal records over a two-year period was conducted. Clinical and demographic data, diagnostic procedures performed, and treatment regimens prescribed were extracted and analysed descriptively. Results: Peptic ulcer disease was among the top five gastrointestinal diagnoses. The majority of cases were managed empirically without endoscopic confirmation. Helicobacter pylori testing was infrequently performed. Proton pump inhibitors were the most commonly prescribed agents. Conclusion: The reliance on empirical management without definitive diagnosis for peptic ulcer disease in Niger State reflects resource limitations in diagnostic capacity. Family medicine practitioners should advocate for improved access to point-of-care Helicobacter pylori testing and ensure guideline-compliant eradication therapy. Keywords: peptic ulcer disease, Helicobacter pylori, management, Niger State, gastrointestinal