Prevalence and Patterns of Peptic Ulcer Disease in an Endoscopic Cohort From Tripoli, Libya: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Abdulfattah Fitouri¹, Mumajed Elmsellati², Wisamuldin Omar², Mustafa Aldaqrum², Anss Kshim², Elmukhtar Habas³

Keywords: Peptic ulcer disease, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, prevalence, Libya, endoscopy

DOI: 10.63475/yjm.v4i3.0224

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.63475/yjm.v4i3.0224

Publish Date: 31-12-2025

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Pages: 607 - 612

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Author Affiliation:

1 Consultant, Internal Medicine Department, Tripoli Central Hospital, Tripoli, Libya
2 Resident, Internal Medicine Department, Tripoli Central Hospital, Tripoli, Libya
3 Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Hamad General Hospital, HMC, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar

Abstract

Background: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a substantial worldwide health challenge characterized by diverse epidemiological trends. Data on its prevalence in Libya are limited. This study aimed to determine the frequency and demographic correlates of PUD and its subtypes in patients undergoing upper endoscopy in Tripoli, Libya.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study at Tripoli Central Hospital from January 2023 to June 2024. We analyzed data from 2604 patients who underwent endoscopy for the presence of gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Results: The total prevalence of PUD was 6.6%. Gastric ulcers (GUs) were reported in 3.9%, while duodenal ulcers (DUs) were reported in 2.2%. PUD and its subtypes were more prevalent in men (9.1%) compared to females (4.9%), with a significant male preponderance for DU (OR = 2.60). The prevalence increased with age, reaching its peak in individuals over 70 years (12.7%).

Conclusions: The prevalence of PUD in this Libyan endoscopic cohort was lower than in the majority of Middle East and North Africa nations but equivalent to European rates. In contrast to the worldwide trend, GUs were more prevalent than DUs. These results suggest the significance of local epidemiological research and highlight the need for more exploration of the underlying risk factors within this group. These results underscore the need for local epidemiological studies. However, they are limited by the retrospective design and lack of data on Helicobacter pylori and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, precluding analysis of key risk factors.

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