IJCM_180A: Risk factors for hemorrhoids among patients attending selected tertiary care hospitals in Mangalore: A matched case control study

Abstract

Background: Hemorrhoids is a common anorectal condition affecting a vast majority of population all around the world. The establishment of a definite association of hemorrhoids with bowel habits and other factors like BMI is less explored. Objectives: To find out the association of hemorrhoids especially with bowel habits and to establish the association of BMI with respect to the onset of hemorrhoids. Methodology: This case control study was conducted among 90 cases and controls from the hospitals affiliated to Kasturba Medical college, Mangalore. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 29. Uni-variate analysis was done, and the odds ratio and confidence levels were tested and determined using binary logistic regression. Results: Majority of the controls were normal with respect to BMI categorization (36.8%) whereas 34.9% of the cases were obese (p=0.095) . The number of people who consumed mixed diet was greater in the cases (72.3%) than in the controls (64.4%). 61.5% of patients complained of blood in stools compared to 2.2% of controls, there were 10.5% of cases with pus in stools and none in controls (p=0.249). Use of laxatives was seen in 27.7% of cases and only 2.1% of controls (p=0.001). A total score of >=15 was indicative of constipation. 12.8% showed constipation compared to none in the controls. (p=0.026). Conclusion: Association of constipation with hemorrhoids was statistically significant. The occurrence of hemorrhoids was not associated with the body mass index of the individual and the occurrence of diarrhea was not significant with respect to hemorrhoids.