Frequency of Cholelithiasis and Associated Factors Among Patients Undergoing Abdominal Ultrasonography: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Cholelithiasis is a common gastrointestinal disorder and an important cause of morbidity worldwide. Despite its increasing burden, evidence regarding its frequency and associated risk factors in Pakistan remains limited.

Objective: To determine the frequency of cholelithiasis and identify its associated risk factors among patients undergoing abdominal ultrasonography at a tertiary care hospital in Mardan, Pakistan.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 141 patients aged 20–70 years undergoing abdominal ultrasonography at the Department of Radiology, Mardan Medical Complex, Pakistan. Patients with a previous history of cholelithiasis or cholecystectomy were excluded. Demographic, clinical, and lifestyle data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Cholelithiasis was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasonography. Associations between cholelithiasis and potential risk factors were evaluated using the Chi-square test, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 39.9 ± 11.35 years, and 53.2% were females. Cholelithiasis was detected in 87 (61.7%) participants. Females had a significantly higher frequency of cholelithiasis than males (71.3% vs. 28.7%; p<0.001). A positive family history of cholelithiasis (p=0.02) and elevated liver function tests (p=0.03) were significantly associated with gallstone disease. No significant associations were observed between cholelithiasis and age group (p=0.13), body mass index (p=0.73), serum cholesterol level (p=0.41), or physical activity (p=0.16).

Conclusion: Cholelithiasis was frequently detected among patients undergoing abdominal ultrasonography. Female gender, a positive family history of cholelithiasis, and elevated liver function tests were significant factors associated with gallstone disease. These findings support the use of abdominal ultrasonography for early diagnosis in high-risk individuals and highlight the need for larger multicenter prospective studies to validate these findings and inform preventive strategies.