The Relation between Fast Food and Anal Disease in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: In recent years, diets have changed rapidly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) because the fast food diet is replacing the traditional Arabic diet. Consumption of fast food is believed to increase the risk of obesity and diabetes, and the more frequent fast food consumption may have serious detrimental effects on health.The aim of this study was to determine whether the change of dietary habits in Saudi people would result in more anal disease.Patients & Method: Food intake and presence of anal diseases was assessed by a questionnaire was performed on 643 Saudi people, selected randomly from restaurants areas in two main malls in Hofuf, Saudi Arabia.Result: The highest fast food consumption rate was in young age group (10-20 years). Most of the participants (78%) who took more than one fast food meal per day had lower water intake and less vegetable consumption. 90% of those had constipation and 67% had anal disease. 52% sought medical advice for anal problems.Conclusion: The amount of fast food consumption is increasing in Saudi community mainly in young generation. This was clearly associated with health problems including obesity and anal diseases.