Keywords
Gallstones
Gender
Risk Factors
Hypertension
Diabetes
Hormonal Influence
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: Gallstone disease (cholelithiasis) is a common gastrointestinal disorder worldwide, with prevalence influenced by age, gender, metabolic conditions, lifestyle, physical inactivity and hormonal factors. Women are generally more affected than men due to reproductive and hormonal influences, whereas men often exhibit higher metabolic risk profiles. In Pakistan, gender-specific risk patterns for cholelithiasis are not well-documented.
Objective:
- To determine the association between gender and risk factor of cholelithiasis among diagnosed patients.
- To identify common risk factors of cholelithiasis in male female.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 17 November to 17 January (2) months in the Department of Surgery at Peoples Medical Civil Hospital, Nawabshah. A total of 141 imaging-confirmed cholelithiasis patients were selected using non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographics, medical history, lifestyle, and reproductive factors. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v25. Frequency, percentage, and chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were applied to determine the associations.
Results: Among 141 participants, 73.05% were female and 26.95% were male, with a mean age of 47.78 ± 9.44 years. Most respondents were from rural areas (86.7%) and joint families (89.4%). Gender was significantly associated with family history of cholelithiasis (p = 0.012), hypertension (p < 0.001), and smoking (p < 0.001). Men showed higher prevalence of smoking and metabolic risk patterns, while women exhibited higher association with family history, reproductive factors, and hormonal influences. No significant gender association was found for prior surgery, hepatitis C, diabetes, or fried food consumption.
Conclusion: Gallstone disease is more prevalent in females, who are influenced by hormonal and reproductive factors, whereas males are more affected by metabolic risk factors. Shared risk factors include age, blood pressure, and liver disease. These findings highlight the need for gender-specific screening, prevention, and management strategies.