Prevalence of Modifiable Lifestyle Habits With Fissure-in-Ano - A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Symptoms related to the anus and rectum are among the most common complaints to family physicians. The true incidence of Ano rectal disorders are impossible to ascertain since many people never seek medical advice. Anal Fissures (36.20%) are the most common aetiology for these complaints. Most of the patients with Ano rectal diseases are scared, embarrassed, uncomfortable and nervous, therefore proper history with focus on the complaints will help to gain the confidence of the patient before physical examination and management is undertaken. Furthermore Complicated or undiagnosed pathologies, however, require further evaluation and expert opinion. Aim: This study is aimed to assess prevalence of modifiable lifestyle habits that contribute to the pathogenesis of fissure-in-ano and to educate individuals about the necessity to adapt simple lifestyle habits to prevent the development and recurrence of fissure-in-ano. Methods: This is cross sectional study done in General Surgery, in Akash institute of medical sciences and research centre, Devanahalli, Bengaluru on 195 patients done on patients diagnosed with fissure-in-ano from 12 months (April 2024-April 2025). Results: Majority of the patients had a FARQ score of 2 which shows mild correlation of lifestyle habits with fissure-in-ano. Majority of the patients had faulty lifestyle habits like low fibre diet, inadequate fluid intake which contributes to constipation which further causes fissure-in-ano. Conclusion: Fissure-in-ano is one of the most common preventable anorectal disease whose burden can be reduced by simple lifestyle changes like including high-fibre diet, adequate fluid intake, reducing toilet time and straining, maintaining personal hygiene, and avoiding sedentary lifestyles.