Prevalence and risk factors of gallstone disease in an adult population of Taiwan: an epidemiological survey.

Background And Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of gallstone disease (GSD) in an adult population of Taiwan through a population-based screening study.

Methods: A cross-sectional community study in a rural village of Taiwan was conducted in 3333 Chinese adults (aged > or = 18 years) undergoing ultrasonography. A questionnaire on personal history was completed to ascertain whether the removed gallbladder contained stones in all cholecystectomized subjects, the dietary habits (vegetarian/non-vegetarian diet), the history of GSD in the participant's first-degree relatives, the history of gastrointestinal surgery (vagotomy, gastrectomy for peptic ulcer disease, or ileal resection), parity, and use of oral contraceptives.