SMARTPHONE USE DURING DEFECATION: AN EMERGING RISK FACTOR FOR HEMORRHOIDAL DISEASE

Background: Smartphone use during defecation has become increasingly common and may prolong time spent on the toilet, potentially contributing to hemorrhoidal disease. 
Objective: To evaluate the association between smartphone use during defecation and hemorrhoidal disease and to assess the role of prolonged defecation time. 
Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study including 275 patients consulting for proctologic complaints at Hassan II University Hospital in Fez. Patients were divided into smartphone users and non-users during defecation. Defecation lasting more than five minutes was considered prolonged. 
Results: Among the 275 patients, 180 (65.3%) reported smartphone use during defecation. Prolonged defecation time was significantly more frequent among smartphone users than non-users (57.2% vs. 27.4%; p<0.05). Hemorrhoidal disease was also significantly more prevalent among smartphone users (48.9% vs. 30.5%; p=0.04). Classical risk factors, including constipation, straining, hydration, and dietary fiber intake, did not differ significantly between the two groups. 
Conclusion: Smartphone use during defecation was significantly associated with hemorrhoidal disease and prolonged defecation time. These findings suggest that prolonged toilet sitting may represent an important behavioral factor in this association.