Epidemiological Factors Affecting the Patients with Esophageal Varices; Cross-Sectional Facility Based Study 2013; Gezira State, Sudan

Esophageal varices are a consequence of portal hypertension, which is common in Gezira state, Sudan because of higher prevalence of Schistosomiasis. Patients with esophageal varices have a strong tendency to develop life threatening bleeding. The study design is a cross-sectional descriptive facility based design. The main objective was to identify the epidemiological factors affecting esophageal varices patients in Gezira center 2013. 309 patients attended to the center during the study period were interviewed. 39.8% of study subjects were farmers. 77% were resident in rural areas. 61.2% have primary education. 75% attended to the center because of Sclerotherapy sessions, and 33% reported that the services were expensive. Two third of patients stated that the services cost was affordable; 15% of patients reported rebleeding. Socio-demographic characteristics were contributing factors to the patients with bleeding esophageal varices. The center services were affordable. Rebleeding is the commonest complication.