Perception and attitude of medical and paramedical students of Umm Al-Qura University regarding urolithiasis: a crosssectional study

Abstract

Background: Urolithiasis encompasses a common emergent problem that needs medical and surgical intervention. Therefore, our study focuses on determining the level of attitude concerning urolithiasis among medical and paramedics students at Umm Al-Qura University. Methods: An electronic survey was distributed among participants online in June 2022. We utilized convenient sampling methods to stratify students according to their college. After data collection, appropriate statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Studies. Results: This study enrolled a total of 360 students from the department of medicine and paramedics at Umm Al-Qura University. The mean age was 22.2 (SD, 1.66). Most kidney stones generally show excellent and positive attitudes among students except for the incurability of kidney stones, which demonstrated a negative attitude. Furthermore, a significant association was found between the importance of calcium intake and stones analysis in preventing kidney stones and students' departments (p-value, 0.007 and 0.003, respectively). Conclusion: Detecting kidney stones is vitally crucial in minimizing their recurrence risk. Our finding indicates a negative attitude toward the curability of kidney stones. Thus, education and awareness programs should be employed in health-related departments to maximize the benefit.