Epidemiology of Gallbladder Stones in Youth: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Contributing Variables

Background: Gallbladder stones are a prevalent health issue, especially among young adults. Understanding the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors contributing to gallstone formation is crucial for prevention and management strategies. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of gallbladder stones in individuals under 30 years of age in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to August 2024 at Dhaka Medical College and Sir Salimullah Medical College, involving 170 participants diagnosed with gallbladder stones. Data were collected through structured interviews and medical examinations, focusing on sociodemographic characteristics, dietary habits, physical activity, and comorbid conditions. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the significance of associations using p-values. Results: The study found a higher prevalence of gallbladder stones in females (58.8%) compared to males (41.2%). The age distribution revealed that 35.3% of participants were aged 18-22 years. Notably, obesity (14.7%) and a sedentary lifestyle (35.3%) were significantly associated with gallstone formation (p < 0.05). Dietary habits also played a crucial role, with high-fat intake and regular fast-food consumption linked to increased risk (p < 0.001). A family history of gallstones was reported by 52.9% of participants, further emphasizing the genetic predisposition to the condition. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were less prevalent (4.7% and 2.9%, respectively) but significantly associated with gallstones (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study highlights the multifactorial nature of gallbladder stone prevalence in young adults, emphasizing the significance of gender, obesity, dietary habits, and family history as key risk factors. These findings can inform public health interventions aimed at reducing the incidence of gallbladder stones among youth in Bangladesh.