Perception and awareness towards urolithiasis among the public at Bisha city; a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to estimate the level of awareness about urolithiasis among the Bisha population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted through an online questionnaire between June 2023 and July 2023 in Bisha, Saudi Arabia. The electronic questionnaire consisted of 28 questions and was distributed via multiple social media platforms. Results: A total of 1,002 participants were included with a mean age of 26.1 ± 13.9 years old. About 55% were males and 927 (92.5%) were Saudi nationals. Regarding awareness, 405 (40.4%) were in the low awareness level, 575 (57.4%) were in the medium level, and only 22 (2.2%) participants were in the high level of awareness. Also, 83 (8.3%) were hypertensive, 75 (7.5%) had hyperparathyroidism, and 69 (6.9%) were diabetic, while 634 (63.3%) had no chronic health problems. A participant with a history of renal stones was associated with a low level of awareness, and there was a negative association between age and awareness level. Moreover, most participants were aware that there was a relationship between dietary habits and renal stone formation. Conclusion: The study shows a low to medium level of awareness among study participants, especially among urolithiasis patients. In terms of risk factors, there is a low level of awareness about the family history, weight gain, and hot climate. Finally, we recommend adequate public education about urolithiasis and its risk factors.