Questioning the presence of anal symptoms in patients applying to the family medicine outpatient clinic

Introduction: Patients usually hide anal region diseases due to the sensitivity of the anal area. Questioning and successfully managing anal region disease symptoms in primary care will prevent late diagnosis of underlying diseases. This study aims to investigate the presence of anal symptoms in patients admitted to family medicine outpatient clinics for any reason. Methods: Our research is a descriptive study. A questionnaire form was created by scanning the literature, was applied by 5 different research assistants to patients aged 18 and over who applied to the family medicine outpatient clinic. It is aimed to reach the maximum number of individuals with the improbable sample. Results: 64.8% of the 165 participants included in the study are female, and 35.2% are male, with a mean age of 35,69 ± 14,53 (Min:18, Max:75). Anal symptoms were detected in 46 patients (27.9%) after questioning. The most frequently reported symptoms were constipation with a rate of 14.5% (n=24), rectal pain at a rate of 7.9% (n=13), rectal bleeding at a rate of 7.3% (n=12), rectal swelling at a rate of 5.5% (n=9) and rectal itching at a rate of 3.6% (n=6). 81.8% of these patients reported that they could share with their doctor when they have symptoms of moderate severity and above. 86.1% (n=142) said they would accept digital rectal examinations if necessary. Conclusion: It is crucial to determine the prevalence of anal symptoms in the general population. Although these symptoms affect the quality of life by causing severe pain and discomfort, they are rarely shared by patients. Routine questioning and examination of anal area symptoms enable more effective disease management. The majority of cases can be diagnosed after examination in primary care. Therefore, the first step is essential for the early diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. Keywords: Rectal Disease, Family Medicine, Digital Rectal Examination