Backed by the AGA Research Foundation, the research underscores a commitment to advancing practical, patient-focused clinical guidance.
A study found that individuals who use smartphones during bathroom visits have a 46% higher risk of hemorrhoids compared to those who do not. Researchers found that phone users tend to spend significantly more time on the toilet, often distracted by news or social media – a behavior that may increase pressure on anal tissues.
The AGA Research Foundation’s Research Scholar Award funded one of the researchers involved in the study, highlighting efforts to equip clinicians with practical, patient-focused guidance. Hemorrhoids are extremely common in the U.S., accounting for nearly 4 million doctor or emergency room visits each year and more than $800 million in health care costs.
Future studies may expand on these findings by tracking patients over longer periods or testing to reduce smartphone use while on the toilet.
AGA-funded researcher in the news
Trisha Pasricha, the AGA-funded researcher, co-authored this work with Chethan Ramprasad, a 2023 AGA Innovation Fellow.
Published in PLOS.