Patient Perception and Knowledge of Hemorrhoids and Surgical Treatment: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Hemorrhoids, enlarged blood vessels in the anal region, often develop due to straining during bowel movements. They can be classified as internal or external and typically present as painless rectal bleeding, swelling, or a noticeable lump. While hemorrhoids are common worldwide, there’s a lack of research on public understanding of this condition in Odisha. Aims and Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate patient Perception and knowledge toward hemorrhoids, anticipating prevalent misconceptions. Methods: Participants completed self-administered questionnaires to collect demographic data and assess hemorrhoid perceptions. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 29. Results: This study found that 94.2% of participants reported awareness of hemorrhoids. The most commonly cited causes were straining during defecation (23%). Surgery was perceived as the primary treatment by 39.5% of participants, and 87.9% acknowledged a negative impact of hemorrhoids on their quality of life. Multivariate analysis revealed significant predictors of greater hemorrhoid knowledge, including age (OR=1.942 for the 28-43 age group), geographic location (OR=1.079 for Urban residency), educational attainment (OR=2.582 for degree holders), income level (OR=2.146 for 5000-10000 SAR income), and prior hemorrhoid knowledge (OR=7.102). Conclusions: This study highlights the need for comprehensive patient education and personalized care for individuals with hemorrhoids in Odisha. Digital platforms can effectively promote health awareness. The findings can inform targeted interventions and public awareness campaigns to improve quality of life. Future research and collaboration are essential to advance these initiatives.