Lifestyle, Dietary and Demographic Risk Factors of Haemorrhoids: A Case–Control Study

Abstract

Haemorrhoids are very common anorectal disorders that can be prevented to a great extent by understanding their risk factors. This case–control study was intended to identify the risk factors for haemorrhoids amongst patients visiting the surgery department of a tertiary care hospital in Kottayam district. A sample of 60 cases and 120 controls were selected using the convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured checklist by self-reporting, and the data collection period was 4 weeks. The major risk factors associated with haemorrhoids as per the odds ratio were occupation, high income, abdominal girth, family history, smoking, lack of exercise, long travel, less consumption of fibre food, consumption of fast food, chicken, spicy food, constipation, incomplete feeling after defaecation, prolonged sitting in the toilet seat, chronic cough, stress and consumption of pain killers. The logistic regression shows that there is an association between the occurrence of haemorrhoids and risk factors such as straining during defaecation, constipation, smoking, incomplete feeling after defaecation, prolonged sitting in the toilet seat and less consumption of water. To improve the quality of life of people with haemorrhoids, it is important to take a peek at the risk factors listed above, considering that a good study starts with good listening. Any person with haemorrhoids, no matter how severe they are, should be encouraged to change their lifestyle in conjunction with consuming more soluble fibre.