Risk Factors of Nephrolithiasis in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Rawalpindi: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Background Nephrolithiasis (renal stones) is the most common urological disease. Its prevalence is high in every part of the world. Several factors lead to renal stone formation. In Pakistan, nephrolithiasis prevalence is also high as Pakistan is located in a region which is known as the salt belt. However, nephrolithiasis and its possible risk factors are under-researched in Pakistan. Objective This study aims to identify the risk factors for nephrolithiasis among admitted patients with renal stones. This may lead to a reduction in renal stone incidence and its allied complications by the prevention of risk factors that would have a major role in renal stone formation. Material and methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed among the 143 admitted patients with renal stones in the urology ward of Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi, for approximately six months from November 2021 to April 2022. Non-probability convenient sampling and developed inclusion and exclusion criteria were used for the recruitment of patients. After elaborating on the objectives, the study data were collected by interviewers through a self-structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was carried out using SPSS version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results Nephrolithiasis was more prevalent among patients who had an age group range of 15-30 years (47.55%), male gender (56.65%), illiterate educational status (53.14%), lower socioeconomic status (66.43%), inadequate intake of water (61.53%), used tap water (56.64%), a habit of daily vegetable intake (65.04%), sedentary lifestyle (51.74%), family history of renal stones (57.34%), no diabetes mellitus (62.94%), no hypertension (52.45%), and overweight (48.23%). Conclusion In brief, the age group of 15-30 years, male gender, illiteracy, lower socioeconomic status, insufficient water intake, tap water, high vegetables, inactive lifestyle, family history of nephrolithiasis, and a high BMI all increase the risk of nephrolithiasis.