Korean J Fam Med.  2018 May;39(3):147-154. 10.4082/kjfm.2018.39.3.147.

The Prevalence of Gallstone Disease Is Significantly Lower in Natives than in Migrants of Jeju Island

• Kwon OS
• Kim YK
• Her KH

• KMID: 2418268
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.2018.39.3.147

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The eating habits of Jeju Island natives are quite different from those of the mainland people because of geographic isolation. Diet is a main factor affecting gallstone disease. We investigated the prevalence of gallstone disease in both Jeju Island natives and migrants and studied the risk factors affecting gallstone disease in the Jeju Island people.
METHODS
A total of 20,763 subjects who underwent medical checkups at the Health Promotion Center of Jeju National University Hospital in Korea from January 2003 to December 2015 were enrolled in the study. Ultrasonography was used to determine the presence of gallbladder stones. Body mass index and biochemical parameters, including liver function test results, lipid profiles, and fasting blood glucose levels, were verified, and data on age, birthplace, and sex were collected from medical records. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors affecting gallstone disease.
RESULTS
The prevalence of gallstone disease in the Jeju Island people was 4.0%: Jeju Island natives, 3.8% and migrants, 4.4% (P=0.047). After multivariate logistic regression analysis, the independent risk factors were older age, Jeju migrants, higher fasting blood glucose and alanine aminotransferase levels, and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of gallstone disease was significantly lower in natives than in migrants from Jeju Island. Older age, Jeju migrants, higher fasting blood glucose and alanine aminotransferase levels, and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels contributed to gallstone disease prevalence in the Jeju Island people.

Keyword

Dietary Carbohydrates; Alcohol Drinking; Risk Factors; Gallstones

MeSH Terms

Alanine Transaminase
Alcohol Drinking
Blood Glucose
Body Mass Index
Cholesterol
Diet
Dietary Carbohydrates
Eating
Fasting
Gallbladder
Gallstones*
Health Promotion
Humans
Korea
Lipoproteins
Liver Function Tests
Logistic Models
Medical Records
Multivariate Analysis
Population Groups*
Prevalence*
Risk Factors
Transients and Migrants*
Ultrasonography
Alanine Transaminase
Blood Glucose
Cholesterol
Dietary Carbohydrates
Lipoproteins