Author/Authors :
Bener, A. UAE University - Faculty of Medicine Health Sciences - Department of Community Medicine, United Arab Emirates , Bener, A. Hamad General Hospital - Hamad Medical Corporation - Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, Qatar , Derbala, M.F. Hamad General Hospital - Hamad Medical Corporation - Gastroenterology Section, Department of Medicine, Qatar , Al-Kaabi, S. Hamad General Hospital - Hamad Medical Corporation - Gastroenterology Section, Department of Medicine, Qatar , Taryam, L.O. UAE University - Faculty of Medicine Health Sciences - Department of Community Medicine, United Arab Emirates , Al-Ameri, M.M. UAE University - Faculty of Medicine Health Sciences - Department of Community Medicine, United Arab Emirates , Al-Muraikhi, N.M. UAE University - Faculty of Medicine Health Sciences - Department of Community Medicine, United Arab Emirates , Al-Mansoor, T.M. UAE University - Faculty of Medicine Health Sciences - Department of Community Medicine, United Arab Emirates
Abstract :
We aimed to study the effect of Ramadan fasting on the occurrence of peptic ulcer disease and its complications in patients presenting to the Accident and Emergency Department at Al-Ain hospital, United Arab Emirates (UAE). We retrospectively reviewed patient records over the 10-year period, 1992 to 2002. Of 470 patients treated for peptic ulcer disease, 215 were seen during Ramadan and 255 in the month after Ramadan. The frequency of peptic ulcer disease was higher after Ramadan than during Ramadan but this was not statistically significant. Peptic ulcer disease occurred more frequently in the age group 30–49 years. Peptic ulcer perforation occurred more frequently after Ramadan but the difference was not significant. Regression analysis identified the following variables as predictors of peptic ulcer disease: anorexia, pain, hypertension, smoking, epigastric pain, diabetes and family history.
