Comparison of the Effect of Myrtus Communis Herbal and anti-Hemorrhoid Ointment on the Symptoms of Grade I and II Internal Hemorrhoid and Women's Quality of Life in the Post Delivery Period: A Triple-blinded Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: The post delivery period is referred to the first 6 months of the post delivery and is one of the most important periods of women's health. Hemorrhoid is referred to as the dilated portions of the anal canal veins that help control stool and is one of the most common digestive diseases. concidering the complications of hemorrhoids on physical, mental health, lactation, care of newborn, the relationship with family, community and the health of mothers and children this study aimed to determine the effect of Myrtus communis herbal ointment on grade I and II Hemorrhoid and quality of life in women during the post delivery period. Materials and Methods: This randomized triple-blinded controlled clinical trial was performed on 134 women with grade I and II Hemorrhoid referring to health centers in Tehran, Iran in 2017. The intended mothers were assigned to intervention and control groups by random blocking. The intervention group took Myrtus communis ointment and the control group took anti-hemorrhoid ointment twice daily for 4 weeks. The Colorectal Evaluation of a Clinical Therapeutics Scale questionnaire (CORECTS) was used to assess the severity of pain, itching, swelling, bleeding, anal discomfort and the negative effect of Hemorrhoid on the health and well-being of women. This questionnaire was completed once before the beginning of the study, then in the first, second and fourth week, and once again after the end of the intervention, at the eighth week after the start of the treatment. To assess the quality of life, the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to measure the general quality of life of people. This questionnaire was completed once before the start of the study, then on the fourth week after the intervention and once after the end of the intervention, on the eighth week after the start of the intervention. ANOVA repeated measure, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney and independent T-test were used for data analysis. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of socio-demographic characteristics (p> 0.05) except for the number of births and pregnancy, body mass index, and occupation. 66 participants in the Myrtus communis ointment group and 65 patients in the anti-Hemorrhoid group were followed up to the end of the study. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of decreasing the number of hemorrhoid symptoms including pain, bleeding, swelling, discomfort in the anus, and the negative effect of Hemorrhoid on the well-being in the 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention (p <0.05) p). However, the mean of anal itching at 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention was significantly lower in the Myrtus communis ointment group (p <0.005). The quality of life in both groups decreased at 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention, but no significant difference was observed between the two groups (p <0.05). Conclusion: Myrtus communis herbal ointment was able to reduce the symptoms of Hemorrhoid at 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention in the affected women. Therefore, it is likely that the use of this drug will promote the health of mothers with Hemorrhoid.