[Epidemiology of cholelithiasis in central Tunisia. Prevalence and associated factors in a nonselected population].
OBJECTIVE
The prevalence of cholelithiasis is still unknown in Tunisia. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and selected risk factors of cholelithiasis


METHODS
Two thousand citizens over the age of 19 in a small town in the center of Tunisia were evaluated. Following a structured interview of each subject, an ultrasound examination was performed. Height, weight and blood levels of glucose and cholesterol were determined by standard methods.


RESULTS
The response rate was 56% (746 women and 377 men). Of the 1123 persons evaluated, 19 had undergone previous cholecystectomy. Crude prevalence of cholelithiasis was 4% (5.4% in women and 1% in men). Typical biliary colic was the only symptom significantly associated with cholelithiasis (specificity: 97.6%). Presence of gallstones was associated with age (P=0.02), sex (P=0. 00045) and multiparity (P<0.0002). Neither body mass index, diabetes mellitus or hypercholesterolemia were risk factors.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of cholelithiasis in central Tunisia is low. The risk factors are similar to those in occidental surveys.
Safer
L
L
Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Hôpital Universitaire Fattouma Bourguiba, Monastir, Tunisie.
Bdioui
F
F
Braham
A
A
Ben Salem
K
K
Soltani
M S
MS
Bchir
A
A
Saffar
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology*; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014416:Tunisia / Q000453:epidemiology; D014463:Ultrasonography