Assessment of Stool Regulation Practices and Anxiety-Induced Bowel Changes that Lead to Hemorrhoids

Abstract

Hemorrhoids are a common anorectal disease that may be caused by several physical, lifestyle, and behavioral factors. This research investigates whether there is an association between the severity of anxiety and the prevalence of hemorrhoids and identifies other lifestyle and behavioral factors that may influence the development of anorectal disease. The study was a cross-sectional study with 370 participants, using a questionnaire. The Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) was used to assess anxiety. Spearman’s correlation and binary logistic regression tests were used to investigate the relationships and to determine factors associated with hemorrhoids. 58.1% of the subjects reported having hemorrhoids. The prevalence of the condition seemed to be greater in people with higher levels of anxiety: 44.2% of those in the low-anxiety group, 51.8% of those in the moderate group, and 64.6% of those in the high-anxiety group. But in the logistic regression analysis, when other variables were considered, anxiety was not a significant predictor of hemorrhoids (p = 0.101). Significant predictors included low water intake (OR = 2.100, p = 0.032), irregular fiber consumption (OR = 1.781, p = 0.029), and smoking (OR = 0.405, p < 0.001). The overall model was significant (p < 0.001) with a predictive accuracy of 69.4%. While increased levels of anxiety were descriptively associated with an increased prevalence of hemorrhoids, anxiety was not a predictor of hemorrhoids. Rather, lifestyle factors such as diet and sufficient fluid intake seem to play an important role. Thus, the focus of efforts to prevent hemorrhoids should be on modifiable lifestyle factors, such as diet and hydration status, as well as the need to maintain positive psychological health.