Risk Factors and Clinical Manifestaciones Associated with Gallbladder Lithiasis in a High Andean population of Cajamarca, Peru, 2024

Abstract

This study sought to determine risk factors and clinical manifestations of gallstones (VL) in the high Andean population of Chetilla; there are no similar studies in the Region. A case-control study was conducted during 6 itinerant medical care sessions in 2024. A medical consultation and ultrasound examination were performed each time. The sample consisted of 300 patients aged 20 years and older; the instrument was a previously validated data collection form. Patients with ultrasound findings of VL were considered cases, and those without VL were considered controls. The OR was applied to potential risk factors, which determines the strength of association, and the p-value indicates statistical significance. 78% were women and 22% were men. The variables studied were: gallstones, age, sex, education, occupation, diet, use of hormonal contraceptives, BMI, diabetes mellitus, multiparity, language, and digestive discomfort. Multivariate analysis and logistic regression revealed: Risk factors for cholelithiasis include overweight, obesity, and a high-fat diet; a diet rich in vegetables is a protective factor. The overall prevalence was 15%, 17.09% in women, and 7.57% in men. Risk factors include overweight, obesity, and fat intake; protective factors include vegetable intake and, apparently, the intense physical activity of Andean men. Although the majority of VL cases are asymptomatic (63.66%), it is a priority to prevent and treat its complications promptly.