Prevalence of hemorrhoids and associated risk factors among adult patients: a cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hemorrhoidal illness in a representative sample of the general population from various regions of Saudi Arabia and analyze the features of patients with hemorrhoidal disease and how they were treated. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the adult population in the western region of Saudi Arabia that included all adult men and women who agreed to participate. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data. Result: The study enrolled 380 participants, most of whom were females (61.6%), whereas males counted for 38.4%. Most common type was external hemorrhoids (59.8%). Sedentary lifestyle was the leading risk factor (19.14%), followed by dehydration (14.49%). Conclusion: The prevalence of hemorrhoids was approximately 40% among participants, more commonly affecting women (more than 50%), with sedentary life as the most common risk factor and anal pain at the top of the associated symptoms list. It was suggested to run campaigns to educate people that it is a common disease and explain the different types and risk factors associated with hemorrhoids.