Introduction:-Gallstone disease once more common in western world, is increasing considerably in India, possibly due to change in dietary habits and lifestyle modifications. Since not many extensive studies done in southern Karnataka population, the present study is aimed at quantifying the sociodemographic and lifestyle risk factors for gall stones among people residing in and around Mysore District.
Methods:- The cross sectional study including 60 patients of sonographically confirmed cholelithiasis were selected for the study. Complete epidemiological and dietary data were collected with the help of questionnaire.
Results:- Out of 60 gall stone patients, 20 were males (48.3%) and 31 were females(51.7%). 65% of the patients were hypertensive, 65% were non diabetic and 68% patients with normal BMI were mainly affected. Non-vegetarian diet, cereals like ragi, cow’s milk, tea consumption and ground water usage were more in the study subjects. Majority of the patients were from rural areas with low socioeconomic status and low literacy rates.
Conclusion:- Rural dwellers from low socioeconomic strata and illiteracy further adds fuel to the fire by decreasing the contact with the health professionals. Assessment of the characteristics are very important because considering the great socio-economic burden, an intervention strategy in the form of mass media campaign as well as small group discussions in such rural areas can be formulated and applied to high risk populations to reduce the burden and complications of gallstone disease.
