192ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE AMONG THE PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL IN KERALAUntil the last decades of the 20th century, Peptic ulcer disease had a tremendous effect on morbidity and mortality, and epidemiological trends started to point to a drastic fall in its incidence as many active and efficient acid suppressants and anti-helicobacter pylori drugs were discovered. Even though there had been many advances, peptic ulcer disease is still an important problem as there is a much wider use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Poor healthrelated practices among the general population also contribute to the persistence of the disease. Aim and objective: The present study aimed to assess the risk factors associated with peptic ulcer disease. Materials and methods: 135 patients above the age of 18 years diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease were enrolled in this study. A specially designed assessment form was prepared based on the review of relevant literature and utilized in assessing the risk factors associated with PUD among the patients. Result: The major predisposing factor for PUD was the consumption of spicy food along with caffeine intake (28.1%) followed by the combination of spicy food consumption and stress (20%). While assessing the exercise and daily activities majority of the patients showed an average percentage (54.8%). Smoking is one of the leading factors for PUD (18.5%), most of the patients consumed three meals per day and the NSAID consumption in the patients was also low. Conclusion: This study concluded that the major predisposing factor that affecting nearly half the population was the consumption of spicy food, caffeine intake, and stress. Patients were given proper counseling regarding the risk factors of PUDaswathys2349@gmail.comResearch1322023PUD,peptic ulcer disease, spicy foodAswathy S,Anaina Raj,Fathima Afnitha M P,Sufiyan P S,V. Karthikeyan,Mervin k SomanDepartment of Pharmacy Practice, Grace College of Pharmacy, Palakkad-678004, Kerala, India,Department of Pharmacy Practice, Grace College of Pharmacy, Palakkad-678004, Kerala, India,Department of Pharmacy Practice, Grace College of Pharmacy, Palakkad-678004, Kerala, India,Department of Pharmacy Practice, Grace College of Pharmacy, Palakkad-678004, Kerala, India,Department of Pharmacy Practice, Grace College of Pharmacy, Palakkad-678004, Kerala, India,Karuna Medical College Hospital Vilayodi Chittur-678004, Kerala, India