PREVALENCE OF GALLSTONE DISEASE IN AN ITALIAN ADULT FEMALE POPULATION

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  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 119  (5) , 796-805
Abstract
A population of female civil servants in Rome, Italy, was investigated to determine the prevalence of symptomatic and asymptomatic gallstone disease and to define the associated factors. Field activities started in Feb. 1981 and concluded in April 1982. Diagnosis was assessed by real time ultrasonography. Prevalence of gallstone disease increased with age from 2.5% in the 20-29 yr old age group to 25.0% in the 60-64 yr old age group, based on both presence of gallstones and history of cholecystectomy. Only 1/3 of the women with gallstones had complained of at least 1 episode of biliary pain in the last 5 yr. Frequency of minor dyspeptic symptoms was not different between women with and those without gallstones. In a multiple logistic function analysis, a positive association was found between age, body mass index, parity, and prevalence of gallstone disease. No association was demonstrated between the presence of gallstones or cholecystectomy and other major sex-specific factors, including age at menopause, use of oral contraceptives, and duration and frequency of menstrual cycle.

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