Saudi Journal of Medicine (SJM)
Volume-7 | Issue-05 | 272-277
Original Research Article
Epidemiology of Biliary Lithiasis in a Moroccan Rural Population: Results of a Screening Survey Including 1358 Citizens
Sarra Bahja, Wafae Hammoumi, Mouna Figuigui, Hakima Abid, Mounia El Yousfi, Dafr Allah Benajah, Mohammed El Abkari, Sidi Adil Ibrahimi, Nada Lahmidani
Published : May 17, 2022
Abstract
Biliary lithiasis is a very frequent and benign pathology but can be the cause of rich and varied symptomatology as well as serious complications. Our study aims to estimate the prevalence and some risk factors of biliary lithiasis and especially to look for the correlation between this pathology and anthropometric measurements. Therefore, we conducted a campaign that included 1358 citizens to perform ultrasound screening for biliary lithiasis, hepatic steatosis, and hydatid cyst. In our study, the prevalence of biliary lithiasis was 19.2%. The average age was 47.7 years with a predominance of women, i.e. a percentage of 76.6%. The risk factors significantly associated with gallstones were abdominal obesity, male sex, and age below 40 years were protective factors, however, neither diabetes nor a history of hypercholesterolemia was associated with the risk of gallstones.