A Study to Assess the Prevalence of Urolithiasis Among the Sedentary Workers Working in Selected Areas of Vijayapura District, Karnataka

Objective: The main objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors of urolithiasis among sedentary workers working in selected areas of Vijayapura.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2021 in Vijayapura district. Data were obtained through direct interviews with participants using an 18-question self-questionnaire, inquiring about demographic data (age, gender, weight, height, location, and occupation), educational level, history of renal stone disease (symptoms, modality of diagnosis, hospital admission, and previous treatment), and risk factors of stone formation such as family history, daily fluid intake, and type of fluid.

Results: A total of 300 individuals were interviewed. The overall percentage of those diagnosed with urolithiasis was 5.4%, including 5.6% males and 5.2% females (P = 0.05). Of those with stones, 4% were medically treated, 1.4% were hospitalized, and 1.1% were surgically managed for stones. There was a positive linear correlation between the prevalence of stones and participants’ age group (r = 0.87, P = 0.01). More than 80% of participants were highly educated, which did not impact the prevalence of stone formation (P = 0.12). Urolithiasis was reported by 7.4% of obese participants, 4.8% of overweight participants, and 5.2% of participants with normal body mass index (r = 0.68, P = 0.02). When stratified by jobs, stone prevalence significantly increased in retired participants (12.2%) compared to workers (6.8%) (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between urolithiasis and type of drinking water (P = 0.52).

Conclusion: The prevalence of urolithiasis in the Vijayapura district is quite common. It seems that the middle-aged population in their third decade of life, those who are overweight, and obese people are at a high risk of developing urolithiasis.