Fruits and Vegetable Consumption and Risk of Cholecystectomy in Young Women of Low Socioeconomic Status

Association of Cholelithiasis in Younger Women with Fruits & Vegetables Consumption & Socioeconomic Status

Abstract

Background: Lifestyle & dietary habits with reduced intake of fruits, vegetables, and homemade food has increased the incidence of cholelithiasis in younger women of low socioeconomic class. Objective: To ascertain the occurrence of disease & subsequent cholecystectomy in young females of lower socioeconomic class, to highlight the importance of fruits & vegetable consumption in lowering the incidence of disease and to define the role of lipid abnormalities. Study Design: Cross –sectional design. Settings: Allied Hospital, Faisalabad Pakistan. Duration: Six months (Jan–June 2018). Methods: Sample size was 80; 50 patients 30 control. Diagnosis confirmed by USG. Data collection was done by questionnaire. Serum cholesterol & triglycerides were assayed by kit method. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 17. Results: Outcomes generated mean value of 35.01 ± 5.437 SD for age. Out of 50 patients, 19 females were in the range of 25-35 years and 31 were in 36-45. The disease was found to be high in lower middle class. Decreased consumption of fruits & vegetables showed association with the disease but homemade food had no association. 14% patients had increased cholesterol level, 86% had normal levels. Increased TG level was seen in 56% patients whereas 44% patients had normal level. Conclusion: Gallstone incidence is rising in young females of low middle class. Increasing age, reduced intake of fruits, vegetables and homemade food has a very strong association with disease. Increased cholesterol and triglycerides was found to have no correlation.