Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41450176›Full record

SynthesisAnnals of medicine2026

Worldwide prevalence of haemorrhoids: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Amin Esmaeilnia Shirvani, Kimia Pakdaman, Zahra Maleki, Soroush Soraneh, Fatemeh Rezaei Chegini, Kasra Pakdaman, Mohebat Vali, Hossein-Ali Nikbakht, Layla Shojaie, Pouyan Ebrahimi

Abstract readSystematic ReviewMeta-Analysis
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Annals of medicine, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
5citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

5 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Amin Esmaeilnia ShirvaniSchool of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.ORCID 0009-0002-5939-8765
Kimia PakdamanCellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.ORCID 0000-0003-2146-5280
Zahra MalekiShiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.ORCID 0000-0001-6919-9239
Soroush SoranehSchool of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.ORCID 0009-0005-0543-8866
Fatemeh Rezaei CheginiShiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.ORCID 0000-0001-6948-9965
Kasra PakdamanSchool of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.ORCID 0009-0005-1933-3715
Mohebat ValiSchool of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.ORCID 0000-0001-9108-2520
Hossein-Ali NikbakhtSocial Determinants of Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.ORCID 0000-0002-8556-431X
Layla ShojaieDivision of GI/Liver, Department of Medicine, Keck school of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.ORCID 0000-0002-5020-5181
Pouyan EbrahimiCellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.ORCID 0000-0003-2654-2169

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundHaemorrhoidal disease (HD) is one of the most common anorectal disorders globally, significantly impacting individuals' quality of life and productivity. Despite its importance, global prevalence remains unclear due to limited population-specific studies. This study aimed to systematically assess the global prevalence of HD through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

methodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to March 31, 2025, without language restrictions. Studies reporting prevalence of haemorrhoids in general, clinical, or high-risk populations were included. Exclusion criteria comprised studies lacking total sample size, focusing on other anorectal conditions, or using duplicate or insufficient data. Four independent reviewers extracted and appraised study quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. The primary outcome was pooled point prevalence of HD, analyzed using a random-effects model with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251045600).

resultsFrom 6,312 records, 150 studies (210 datasets) comprising 8,960,338 individuals were included. The global pooled point prevalence was 25.92% (95% CI: 22.62-29.22). Lifetime prevalence was 27.19% (95% CI: 14.77-39.60), and one-year prevalence was 21.65% (95% CI: 14.33-28.97). Prevalence was higher in women (27.33%, 95% CI: 21.84-32.82) than in men, and highest in the African region 28.07% (95% CI: 15.34-40.79). Invasive diagnostic methods (28.05%, 95% CI: 23.86-32.26) yielded higher prevalence estimates than non-invasive methods. Also, factors showing associations with HD in unadjusted analyses include older age, obesity, pregnancy, diabetes, family history, constipation, and hypertension.

conclusionHD remains a prevalent condition globally, with minor variation across regions. The burden is consistent regardless of socioeconomic context. Diagnostic method and population characteristics influence prevalence estimates. These findings underscore the importance of targeted prevention and early intervention strategies, especially for at-risk groups.

Indexed as

Global HealthHemorrhoidsFemaleHumansMalePrevalenceQuality of LifeRisk FactorsepidemiologyhaemorrhoidHaemorrhoidsmeta-analysisprevalence

Identifiers

PMID41450176
PMCPMC12777808

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.