Prevalence of gallstones in patients referring to Bahar Sehat Medical Complex in 1401

Background and Objective: Gallstone disease is one of the most common disorders affecting the gastrointestinal system. Studies have reported the prevalence of gallstones to range from 11% to 36%. The prevalence of gallstones is associated with various factors, including age, gender, and ethnic background, which predispose individuals to gallstone formation. Obesity, pregnancy, dietary factors, terminal ileum resection, gastric surgery, and other conditions are all associated with an increased risk of developing gallstone disease. This study aims to determine the prevalence of gallstones among patients visiting Bahar Sehat Medical Complex Hospital in Kabul during the first six months of the year 1401 (solar calendar). Methods: This study is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted on 79 patients diagnosed with cholelithiasis who were hospitalized at Bahar Sehat Medical Complex during the first six months of 1401. The study was retrospective, based on the review of medical records of hospitalized patients. Findings and Discussion: Among the 79 patients studied, the overall prevalence of the disease was 21.006%. According to gender distribution, 51 patients (64.55%) were female, and 28 patients (35.44%) were male. The findings indicate a higher prevalence of cholelithiasis among women than men. The highest prevalence in women was observed in the 30–50 age group, with a total of 23 cases, while the highest prevalence in men was observed in the 50–70 age group, with a total of 13 cases. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of gallstone disease in this study was approximately 21%. Women constituted the majority of affected individuals. In terms of age distribution, the highest prevalence was observed in women aged 30–50 years and in men aged 50–70 years. It is recommended that more extensive studies be conducted in Afghanistan, considering disease symptoms, to provide more applicable findings for the country’s surgical community.