KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS SELF-MANAGEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH PEPTIC ULCER ATTENDING OUTPATIENT CLINIC IN TERTIARY HEALTH INSTITUTION IN BENIN CITY

ABSTRACT

Peptic ulcer disease is a chronic condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract, requiring ongoing self-management to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes. This study assessed the knowledge and attitude towards self-management in patients with peptic ulcer attending the outpatient clinic in tertiary health institution in Benin City. A descriptive crosssectional survey design was used, involving 250 patients with peptic ulcer disease who completed a structured, researcher-developed questionnaire. Data analysis included descriptive statistics frequency and percentages and chi-square tests to examine relationships between knowledge and attitude towards self-management practices. Findings revealed that 90.24% of the respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge of self-management practices, while a mean attitude score of 4.084 indicated a generally positive attitude towards selfmanagement. The study found statistically significant relationship between knowledge levels and attitudes towards self-management among respondents. Based on these findings, the study recommends targeted interventions by healthcare providers, including education and counseling programs, to improve patients' knowledge and foster a more positive attitude towards effective self-management of peptic ulcer disease. Keywords: Peptic Ulcer, Self-Management, Knowledge, Attitude, Outpatient Clinic, Tertiary Health Institution.