Saturday, 24 May 2025

Gallstones in Tikrit, Iraq: A Population–based Study on the Roles of Obesity, Gender, and Age | Chapter 1 | An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 1

 

Background: Gallstone disease (Cholelithiasis) is among the most common gastrointestinal diseases across the globe. Its prevalence and the risk factors associated with it, however, vary markedly from one region to another. Although awareness of gallstone disease is rising in Iraq, data regarding its prevalence and associated risk factors are limited.

Aim: This study aimed to carry out an immense investigation into the prevalence of gallstones in Tikrit (Iraq) while trying to highlight sex, age, and body mass index (BMI) as risk factors.

Methods: Cross-sectional study executed on 468 grown individuals in Tikrit, Iraq, during the months spanning May to October in the year 2019. Diagnosis of gallstone prevalence was carried out via abdominal ultrasound, plus calculation of participants' BMIs through their heights and weights. SPSS software is used for data analysis. Chi-square tests coupled with logistic regression models were deployed to check associations between demographic variables and gallstone prevalence.

Results: The total prevalence of gallstones was 20.5%. Females (28.4%) were affected significantly more than males (12.4%). Individuals whose BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² had a significantly higher risk of the formation of gallstones (OR=3.41;95%CI:2.18–5.33). Age was not a significantly associated factor with the formation of gallstones.

Conclusion: Obesity, particularly in females, is the leading cause of gallstone disease in Tikrit, Iraq. Results from this study should prompt public health initiatives that direct efforts toward obesity as a predisposing factor, along with screening the vulnerable population at an early stage.

 

Author (s) Details

Abdulhadi M. Jumaa
Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Tikrit University, Iraq.

 

Ammar L. Hussein
Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Tikrit University, Iraq.

 

Meqdam A. Khalaf
Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Tikrit University, Iraq.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/aodhr/v1/5254

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