[A case - control study of gallstone disease in female population in Taicang].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors of gallstone disease in female population in Taicang.

METHODS: A case - control study conducted on 144 cases and 371 controls aged 35 - 79 years in five villages. Diagnosis of gallstone disease was assessed by real - time ultrasonography. The case was considered as presence of gallstones at echograph and previous cholecytectomy. The controls were selected from a random sample of female participates.

RESULTS: Through univariate and multivariate analysis, gallstone disease was significantly associated with age (OR = 1.80), family history of gallstone disease (OR = 3.66), hypertension (OR = 1.93), fat intake (OR = 1.77), number of pregnancies (OR = 1.44) and menopause (OR = 1.67). Drinking water from deep well (OR = 0.54) was inversely associated with gallstone disease.

CONCLUSION: The main risk factors of female gallstone disease were age, family history of gallstone disease, fat intake, number of pregnancy and menopause. Drinking water from deep well was a protective factor of gallstone disease.