Prevalance and Risk Factors of Hemorrhoids: A Study in a Teritary Care Teaching Hospital

Hemorrhoids are a common anorectal condition that significantly affects the quality of life. It characterized by the swelling and inflammation of the venous plexuses in the anal canal. Despite their prevalence, the burden and associated risk factors are often underreported in clinical settings.This study aims to determine to assess the prevalence of hemorrhoids and identify the major risk factors contributing to their development among a general population attending a tertiary care teaching hospital. A prospective observational study was carried out over a period of six months among 50 participants in the Department of surgery at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of hemorrhoids were enrolled after obtaining informed consent and evaluated through a structural questionnaire assessing demographics, dietary habits, physical activity, comorbidities and family history. clinical and proctoscopic examinations were performed to confirm the diagnosis and grade the hemorrhoids (Grade I – Grade IV) based on standard criteria. Statistical analysis was performed to determine prevalence of different hemorrhoid grades and identify significant risk factor. Among the 50 participants, the distribution of hemorrhoid grades was as follows: Grade I - 34%, Grade II – 24%, Grade III – 22%, Grade IV – 10%. Significant risk factors included chronic constipation (56%), low fiber diet (66%), sedentary lifestyle (40%), prolonged sitting (60%), obesity (62%), weight lifting (64%), alcohol consumption (52%), daily less than 1.5L water intake (74%). High grades (III and IV) commonly associated with chronic constipation and sedentary lifestyle.This prospective study findings highlight the impact of dietary modifications and lifestyle changes are essential to reduce the progression and complications of hemorrhoids.