Haemorrhoids and quality of life.

Aim: There are few studies into the quality of life of patients with haemorrhoids. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life of patients with haemorrhoids in an adult general population.

Method: Participants, who attended the Austrian nationwide healthcare programme for colorectal cancer screening at four medical institutions, were enrolled prospectively between 2008 and 2009. A colonoscopy was performed in all patients. Haemorrhoids were classified according to an international grading system and defined as symptomatic in cases with bleeding, itching, soiling or pain. Quality of life was measured by the Short Form-12 Health Survey.

Results: Of 976 participants, 380 patients (39%) had haemorrhoids. The median physical health score was 52.6 (range 20.6-61.3) in the symptomatic and 53.2 (range 16.2-61.3) in the asymptomatic group (P = 0.7993). The median mental health score showed also no significant difference between both groups [symptomatic group, 52.8 (range 12.4-62.6); asymptomatic group, 54.8 (range 18.7-67.2); P = 0.0738].

Conclusion: Haemorrhoids, irrespective of their degree, do not influence quality of life measured by the Short Form-12 Health Survey.