Introduction. Chronic gastric and duodenal ulcer disease remains the most common chronic disease of the alimentary tract. Helicobacter pylori infection, non-steroid anti-inflammatory agents’ administration, stress, smoking or alcohol are numbered among risk factors of the disease. Aim. The aim of the research was an attempt to answer the question: Is there a demand for health education among patients with chronic gastric and duodenal ulcer disease and if so, what range of operation does it concern? Material and methods. The research was conducted among patients with chronic gastric and duodenal ulcer disease. The examined group consisted of 140 women and 140 men of various age. In the research the knowledge of patients concerning: risk factors, disease complications, diet rules, ability to cope with stress, avoiding stimulants and desire to deepen knowledge concerning chronic peptic ulcer disease, was taken into consideration. The main research instrument was self-made questionnaire. Results. the results of the research demonstrated relatively good knowledge of questioned persons on the subject of chronic peptic ulcer disease. However, in some aspects there is a necessity to complete educational actions in the field of: disease complications, stress coping, avoiding stimulants and most of all taking the responsibility for one’s health. Differences between the knowledge of healthy life style and actual pro healthy behaviour were observed. Respondents evaluated their knowledge as sufficient for living with the disease nonetheless, they wished to deepen knowledge concerning chronic peptic ulcer disease.

Key words: chronic gastric and duodenal ulcer diseases, education.