Abstract
Objective: To explore the risk factors and incidence of gallstone in population of Larkana, Pakistan.
Methodology: A total 100 patients of gallstone disease were selected from five hospitals of Larkana; Chandika Medical Hospital, Almas Medical Center, Latif Medical Center, City Medical Center and Indus Medical Hospital. Age and gender matched with negative personal and family history of gallstone and controls were selected for comparison. They were interviewed with standard questionnaire specially designed for that purpose. Records of five hospitals were computed during 2013 to 2015 to calculate month wise incidence, year wise incidence and age and gender wise incidence of gallstone disease during the three year period.
Results: Married, female gender, housewives, sedentary life style, high blood pressure, surgery in past, stress and calcium taken as self-medication were positive risk factors of gallstone disease. Nonbranded oil, mung and masoor pulses are significantly positively associated with gallstone disease.
Conclusion: The incidence of gallstone disease in Larkana was 12.3% during 2013 to 2015. Mung, Masoor pulses and non-branded oils were significant positively associated with gallstone disease. Red or white meat, no tea intake and consumption of vegetables had negative association with disease or these were considered as protective factors for gallstone disease.

Key words: Gallstone, incidence, dietary risk factors, female, legumes, protective factors, white meat, vegetables, tea.