Case-control: A low-fiber diet increases the risk of appendicitis in main Qassim, Saudi Arabia hospitals 2020-2021

Abstract

Background: Appendicitis is caused by the occlusion of the appendiceal lumen; it is the most cause of abdominal surgery emergency. The low fiber diet can cause the blockage of the appendiceal lumen. It is necessary to know the impact of the low fiber diet on the risk of appendicitis. Aim: To assess the association between a low fiber diet and the increased risk of appendicitis.Methods: This study is a case-control study that was conducted at 15 main hospitals in Qassim region during the period from 01 January 2020 to 01 June 2021. The study investigated the demographics and the nutritional habits of participants related to fibers using a fat & fiber behavior questionnaire "FFBQ" survey. The data were analyzed using the SPSS program. Results: Two groups were included; the patient group, which included 115 appendicitis patients, and the normal control group, which included 230 participants without history of appendicitis. There was a group match regarding the demographics of all the participants. The normal control group significantly tended to consume more different types of fiber diet compared to the patients' group. Also, between the two groups, there was a significant difference regarding the overall fiber diet frequency (P=0.0001). Conclusion: A low fiber diet is a major risk factor for appendicitis; the patients suffering appendicitis consume low fiber diets compared to normal individuals.