GALLSTONES AMONG YOUNG ADULTS: A CLINICAL AND RISK FACTOR ANALYSIS

Background: Gallstone disease is no longer seen solely as a condition of older adults, with increasing diagnoses in those under 40. This study investigates the prevalence of gallstones among younger individuals, focusing on risk factors, clinical signs, and treatment options to enhance prevention, early detection, and therapy. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on young adult patients (under 40 years old) with gallstone disease. Demographic data and lifestyle factors (such as diet and obesity), along with clinical symptoms and therapeutic outcomes, were collected. Results: The four main risk factors identified for gallstone development included metabolic disorders (9%), genetic predisposition (53.3%), obesity (9%), and high-fat diet consumption (24.6% daily; 42.2% several times per week). Female patients showed a higher incidence of gallstones (72.4%) compared to male patients (26.6%), likely due to hormonal factors, including oral contraceptive use (18.1%). The majority of patients experienced abdominal pain (17.6%), and more than half displayed symptoms of nausea and vomiting (17.6%). However, 6% of participants were asymptomatic. The majority of patients (84.4%) underwent surgical procedures for treatment, yet there were cases (1%) where patients refused medical advice regarding surgery. Conclusion: Early detection and preventive measures are crucial due to the increasing prevalence of gallstones in young adults. Public health initiatives targeting dietary habits and weight management can mitigate the risk of gallstone disease.