Risk factors for anal fistula: a case-control study.
BACKGROUND
The aim of our study was to identify potential risk factors for anal fistula in order to improve prevention and treatment of anal fistula.


METHODS
A retrospective case-control study for anal fistula was conducted at our unit. Logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify associated risk factors for anal fistula.


RESULTS
The final model obtained by the stepwise forward logistic regression analysis method identified the following items as independent risk factors: body mass index of >25.0 kg/m(2), high daily salt intake, history of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, dermatosis, anorectal surgery, history of smoking and alcohol intake, sedentary lifestyle, excessive intake of spicy/greasy food, very infrequent participation in sports and prolonged sitting on the toilet for defecation.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate that lifestyle factors and certain medical conditions increase an individual's risk of developing anal fistula.
The Hangzhou third Hospital affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China, Hangzhou, China.
D
D
Wang
G
G
Yang
J
J
Qiu
Y
Y
Song
L
L
Wang
J
J
Gao
C
C
Wang
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012003:Rectal Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult