1.1 Introduction
Peptic ulcer is defined as a lesion or sore that develops in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, known as the duodenum (Sung, Kuipers, & El-Serag, 2009). It arises when there is an imbalance between the aggressive factors, such as gastric acid and pepsin, and the defensive mechanisms of the gastrointestinal mucosa, including mucus, bicarbonate secretion, and adequate blood flow (Lanas & Chan, 2017).
Globally, peptic ulcer disease remains a significant public health concern due to its high prevalence, recurrent nature, and potential for serious complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, and increased risk of gastric cancer (Fock et al., 2016). Alcohol consumption is recognized as a major lifestyle factor that contributes to the development and exacerbation of peptic ulcers. Alcohol irritates the gastric mucosa, increases acid secretion, and interferes with ulcer healing processes (Tsai et al., 2019).
This chapter introduces the research by reviewing the background that informed the study, identifying the issues that led to its formulation, and outlining the aim and objectives. It also explains the study's significance, defines its scope, presents the research questions and hypotheses, addresses the limitations, and clarifies important terms used throughout the work.
1.2 Background of Study
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) has been recognized for centuries as a significant gastrointestinal condition affecting human health. Historically, early descriptions of gastric and duodenal ulcers date back to ancient civilizations, where physicians observed symptoms such as epigastric pain, indigestion, and vomiting. According to Lanas and Chan (2017), these early accounts provided the foundation for understanding ulcer disease, though the exact causes remained largely speculative. It is reported that for many centuries, peptic ulcer was attributed to stress, dietary factors, and the consumption of alcohol and spicy foods, accenting the long-standing recognition of lifestyle influences on gastrointestinal health.
The discovery of Helicobacter pylori in the 1980s revolutionized the understanding and treatment of peptic ulcer. According to Sung, Kuipers, and El-Serag (2009), the identification of H. pylori affirmed that bacterial infection plays a primary role in ulcer pathogenesis, though lifestyle factors such as alcohol use continue to exacerbate the condition. It is stated that despite effective therapies for H. pylori, lifestyle-related peptic ulcers persist globally, particularly in populations with high alcohol consumption.
Peptic ulcer is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by lesions in the lining of the stomach or the duodenum. According to Sung, Kuipers, and El-Serag (2009), peptic ulcer arises when the delicate balance between aggressive factors, such as gastric acid and pepsin, and protective mechanisms of the gastrointestinal mucosa is disrupted. It is reported that lifestyle factors, including alcohol consumption, smoking, and dietary habits, significantly contribute to the development and progression of peptic ulcer (Fock, Ang, & Ho, 2016). Alcohol intake is particularly harmful as it irritates the gastric mucosa, increases acid secretion, and delays the healing of existing ulcers, thereby exacerbating the condition (Tsai, Lin, & Wu, 2019).
Lanas & Chan (2017) asserted that the prevalence of peptic ulcer remains high globally, with a substantial impact on public health due to its recurrent nature and potential for severe complications, including gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, and even gastric cancer (Lanas & Chan, 2017). In Nigeria, the consumption of alcohol has been reported to increase steadily, driven by socio-economic changes, urbanization, and workplace-related stress (Olalekan & Oluwatoyin, 2018).
Adebayo & Oke (2017) stated that employees in high-pressure work environments are particularly susceptible to health complications associated with alcohol consumption, including peptic ulcer, due to factors such as irregular meal patterns, long working hours, and occupational stress (Adebayo & Oke, 2017). Furthermore, it is affirmed that peptic ulcer has serious implications for affected individuals, including chronic pain, fatigue, anemia, and reduced productivity.
Adamu, Usman, and Bello (2019) contend that low awareness about the early signs and preventive measures of peptic ulcer contributes to delayed diagnosis and treatment, aggravating the health burden among working adults. On the other hand, workplaces provide a strategic setting for health promotion and intervention programs, making it imperative to understand the prevalence and health implications of peptic ulcer within corporate environments. This study is set against the backdrop of the need to provide a clear understanding of the prevalence and health implications of peptic ulcer among employees who consume alcohol, particularly within Nigerian Breweries Plc.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that peptic ulcer is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by sores or lesions in the stomach lining or the upper part of the small intestine. Research shows that the prevalence of peptic ulcer is influenced by several factors, including lifestyle habits, dietary patterns, and the consumption of alcohol (Sung et al., 2009). Alcohol intake is recognized as a significant risk factor because it increases gastric acid secretion, disrupts the mucosal barrier, and delays ulcer healing (Fock et al., 2016). In Nigeria, alcohol consumption has been rising due to socio-cultural and economic factors, leading to growing concern about its potential health consequences among working adults (Olalekan & Oluwatoyin, 2018).
Furthermore, peptic ulcer is associated with significant health implications, including chronic pain, bleeding, anemia, and, in severe cases, perforation and death (Lanas & Chan, 2017). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to assess the prevalence and health implications of peptic ulcer among people who consume alcohol, with a particular focus on employees of Nigerian Breweries Plc.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of peptic ulcer and examine its health implications among people who consume alcohol in Nigerian Breweries Plc in Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are to:
- Determine the prevalence of peptic ulcer among employees who consume alcohol in Nigerian Breweries Plc.
- Examine the health complications associated with peptic ulcer among employees who consume alcohol.
- Identify the relationship between alcohol consumption patterns and the occurrence of peptic ulcer.
- Evaluate employees' awareness and knowledge of peptic ulcer and its preventive measures.
- Recommend strategies for mitigating the risk of peptic ulcer among employees who consume alcohol.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the stated objectives, this study seeks to answer the following research questions:
- What is the prevalence of peptic ulcer among employees who consume alcohol in Nigerian Breweries Plc?
- What are the health complications associated with peptic ulcer among these employees?
- Is there a relationship between alcohol consumption patterns and the occurrence of peptic ulcer?
- How aware are employees of peptic ulcer and its preventive measures?
- What strategies can be implemented to reduce the risk of peptic ulcer among employees who consume alcohol?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
Based on the stated objectives, the research study formulates the following hypothesis:
Hypothesis One
- H0: There is no significant relationship between alcohol consumption and the prevalence of peptic ulcer among employees of Nigerian Breweries Plc
- H1: There is a significant relationship between alcohol consumption and the prevalence of peptic ulcer among employees of Nigerian Breweries Plc
1.7 Significance of Study
It is believed that at the completion of the study, the findings will benefit corporate management by accenting the potential impact of peptic ulcer on employee productivity, absenteeism, and overall workplace efficiency. Also, healthcare professionals will find this study significant as it will provide empirical data on the relationship between alcohol consumption and peptic ulcer in a workplace setting. Such data will support the development of targeted screening, early diagnosis, and effective management strategies for employees at risk.
Furthermore, this research study will contribute to the body of academic knowledge on peptic ulcer disease in Nigeria, particularly within corporate environments, where research is currently limited.
Finally, this research will raise awareness among the general public about the health implications of alcohol consumption, reinforcing the importance of moderation and lifestyle management in preventing gastrointestinal disorders.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of this study is limited to Nigerian Breweries Plc in Lagos State, Nigeria. It focuses on employees who consume alcohol and investigates the prevalence and health implications of peptic ulcer within the company. The study will also assess employees' awareness of peptic ulcer and recommend preventive strategies.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
A study of this nature is bound to experience certain problems as such the constraints imposed on the research include:
- Time Constraints: A study of this nature needs relatively long time during which information for accurate or at least near accurate inference could be drawn. The period of the study was short, time posed as constraints to the research.
- Financial Constraints: The research would have extended the survey to other area at the empirical level, but limitation as included cost of transportation to the source of material and the cost of time setting of the already completed work.
- Lack of Cooperation: Many of the respondents are usually aggressive on issue that border cooperation among the respondents border.
- Response Bias: The study will involve surveys and interviews with cooperative managers and members. Response bias may occur if respondents provide socially desirable answers or if there is reluctance to disclose negative financial information due to privacy concerns or fear of repercussions.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Peptic Ulcer:
A peptic ulcer is a sore or lesion that develops on the lining of the stomach or the duodenum due to the imbalance between digestive acids and mucosal defense mechanisms (Sung, Kuipers, & El-Serag, 2009).
Alcohol Consumption:
This refers to the intake of beverages containing ethanol, which is reported to irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of developing peptic ulcers (Fock, Ang, & Ho, 2016).
Prevalence:
Prevalence is the proportion of individuals in a population who are affected by a particular disease at a given time (Lanas & Chan, 2017).
Health Implications:
Health implications refer to the physical, psychological, and social consequences that result from a disease or condition, including symptoms, complications, and impacts on daily life (Adamu, Usman, & Bello, 2019).
Workplace Wellness:
Workplace wellness is a set of organizational strategies and programs aimed at promoting employee health and preventing lifestyle-related illnesses (Adebayo & Oke, 2017).
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