Hemorrhoids Among People of Sifawa Community in Sokoto State

Abstract

Hemorrhoid is an anorectal disease and is a common diagnosis in most parts of the world. There are numerous causes, signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids. The objective of the study was to identify the awareness and prevalence level of hemorrhoids as well as the knowledge level among people of Sifawa community in Sokoto State. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted and it involved the use of a self-administered questionnaire. The study was first introduced to the participants, consent was thereafter gotten and the questionnaires were then administered to the participants to give answers to the questions. Out of the participants, 202 (54.0%) of the respondents had heard about hemorrhoids. However, only 46 (12.3%) have been diagnosed of it. The knowledge level was graded. 24 (11.9%) of the respondents had poor knowledge level, 139 (68.8%) had fair knowledge level while the remaining 39 (19.3%) had good knowledge level. There was moderate awareness for hemorrhoids among the respondents as well as fair knowledge level. The points towards the need for public health education to enlighten the public more on hemorrhoids and ways to prevent it or manage it should it occur. This is also necessary due to the possibility of increasing morbidity and mortality from the disease.