Prevalence and factors associated with hemorrhoids among adult patients attending colorectal clinic at Mulago National Referral Hospital: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhoidal disease is one of the most common benign anorectal conditions. The estimated prevalence of hemorrhoids has been reported in western literature to range from 4.4% to as high as 88% depending on the population studied and the methods used to assess hemorrhoids. However, studies that determine the magnitude and associated factors of hemorrhoids in the local context are limited. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with hemorrhoids in patients attending colorectal clinic at MNRH METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study carried out at the colorectal clinic of Mulago National Referral hospital for a period of three months (February 2024-May 2024). Consecutive sampling was used to select Participants who met the eligibility criteria. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, their weights and heights measured using a calibrated weighing scale and finally underwent an anorectal examination by the principal investigator. The primary outcome of the study w as a diagnosis of hemorrhoids. Data was coded and entered in EPI DATA 4.6 version and exported to STATA version 17.0 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval were used as a measure of association. Variables having P-value<0.05 from the multivariable analysis were considered to have a significant association with the outcome. RESULTS: In total, 192 participants were recruited with a male to female ratio of 1.1:1.The overall prevalence of hemorrhoids was 41.15%. Prevalence of hemorrhoids in males was 43.56% and in females 38.46% with a male to female ratio of 1.3:1 Constipation (AOR = 8.449, 95%CI; 4.089, 17.460) and previous treatment of hemorrhoids (AOR = 11.874, 95%CI; 3.005, 46.929) had a statistically significant association with the presence of hemorrhoids. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of hemorrhoids was high and it was higher in male participants. Constipation and previous hemorrhoid treatment were found to increase the odds of having hemorrhoids. Effective management of associated factors should be adopted in the treatment guidelines for hemorrhoids.