Predictors of Reporting Success With Increased Fluid Intake Among Kidney Stone Patients

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Urology
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Kidney stone prevention often relies on increased fluid intake.
• Patient adherence to fluid intake recommendations can be variable.
• Understanding patient-specific factors influencing adherence is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare knowledge, behaviors, and preferences regarding fluid intake between kidney stone patients who succeeded and those who failed to increase their fluid intake for prevention.
• To identify factors associated with successful fluid intake in kidney stone patients.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 302 kidney stone patients assessing stone history, fluid intake success, and related knowledge, behaviors, and preferences.
• Responses were compared between highly successful and less successful fluid intake groups.
• Self-reported success was validated against 24-hour urine volumes in a subset of 41 patients.

Main Results:

• Successful fluid intake correlated with higher 24-hour urine volumes.
• Unsuccessful patients had lower awareness of future stone risk and less urologist counseling.
• Successful patients reported fewer barriers, preferred water, and used specific strategies like carrying a water bottle.

Conclusions:

• Significant differences exist in risk awareness, water preference, urologist counseling, and intake strategies between successful and unsuccessful kidney stone patients.
• Addressing these specific patient factors can potentially enhance fluid intake success for stone prevention.