Association of age, gender, and body mass index with gallstone disease: Evidence from a case–control study at a tertiary care institute

ABSTRACT Background: Gallstone disease (GSD) poses a major health burden worldwide, contributing significantly to morbidity. While various modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors, including age, gender, and body mass index (BMI), have been commonly associated with GSD development, recent studies have reported inconsistent results. In addition, regional disparities in GSD prevalence and risk factors remain insufficiently explored. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the association of age, gender, and BMI with GSD among patients presenting to a high-volume tertiary care hospital in North Delhi. Settings and Design: A hospital-based case–control study was conducted among patients in the General Surgery Department of a Tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: The study included 91 ultrasound-confirmed cases of GSD, along with an equal number of age- and sex-matched controls without GSD. Data on demographics, lifestyle, medical history, and BMI were collected. Statistical analysis used Chi-square tests and conditional logistic regression, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Females comprised 85.7% of cases, with nearly one-third belonging to the younger age group. Although the mean BMI was higher among cases, differences in age and BMI between groups were not statistically significant in this matched cohort. A positive family history of GSD or gallbladder carcinoma showed a significant association. No significant associations were observed with lifestyle factors such as diet, alcohol use, smoking, or physical activity. Conclusion: Female gender and positive family history remain important risk factors for GSD, whereas no significant associations were found with age, BMI, or lifestyle habits in this cohort. The findings suggest a potential shift in traditional risk factor profiles, warranting further investigation.