Prevalence of urolithiasis in Sarawak and associated risk factors: An ultrasonagraphy‐based cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this research is to study the prevalence of urolithiasis among the population of Sarawak Malaysia and the associated risk factors. Patients and Methods A survey was conducted among individuals aged ≥18 years age in three primary health care clinics in the main cities of Sarawak from March 2019 to March 2020. Participants underwent face‐to‐face interview using a predesigned and standardised questionnaire. Details on demographic data, comorbidities, dietary variables and lifestyle were collected. Ultrasonographic examination of the kidney, ureter and bladder was performed followed by blood and urine sampling. Prevalence was defined as the proportion of participants with kidney stones, and univariate logistic regression was used to estimate the associated factors. Results A total of 1087 participants (486 male, 601 female) completed the questionnaire. Ultrasonographic examination and laboratory investigation were carried out, with an overall response rate of 98.8%. The prevalence of ultrasonographic proven urolithiasis in the sample studied was 4.04%. The mean age of patients with urolithiasis was 50.05 (SD 14.6, range 18–89), and the male to female ratio was 1.2: 1. Univariate analysis showed that odd ratio of personal history of urolithiasis (0.16, p:0.00), salty food intake (0.39, p:0.02), family history of urolithiasis (0.39, p:0.01), and hypertension (1.77, p:0.04) was significantly associated with a greater risk of urolithiasis. Conclusion The prevalence of urolithiasis in this study population is 4.04%. It affects males and females equally; 61.4% are in the age group of 25–64 years. Hypertension, high salt diet, personal history of urolithiasis and family history of urolithiasis are significant risk factors.

Comparing the risk factors of nephrolithiasis in Asian countries population: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…In accordance with the findings of Santanapipatkul et al [ 6 ] our study highlights the substantial effect of family history on an individual’s risk for developing nephrolithiasis. Family history is a combination of both internal and external factors, as family history may arise from both genetic predispositions, while it may also arise from similar dietary intake and water sources [ 7 ]. This suggests the presence of a genetic component, implying that future research may find it useful to investigate potential genetic markers and predispositions.…”

Metabolic Disorders in Patients With High Risk for Recurrent Urinary Tract Stones

“…Due to hot climate and increased global warming, South Asian and Southeast Asian population are mostly affected by urolithiasis (Abufaraj et al, 2022), such as 16% in Pakistan (Saeed et al, 2020) and 16.9% in Thailand (Piyarungsri et al, 2020). In India (Faridi and Singh, 2020) and Malaysia (Perumal et al, 2023), 40 individuals developed a kidney stone in every 100,000 people according to studies conducted three decades back. Now, 930 people in India and 442 people in Malaysia among every 100,000 suffer from kidney stones.…”