Urolithiasis in immigrant groups: a nationwide cohort study in Sweden

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Urolithiasis (kidney stones) incidence varies globally.
• Understanding risk factors in diverse populations, including immigrants, is crucial for public health.
• Sweden provides a unique setting to study immigrant health due to its population registry data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between country of birth and the risk of developing urolithiasis.
• To compare urolithiasis incidence in first- and second-generation immigrants with the Swedish-born population.

Main Methods:

• Nationwide follow-up study in Sweden (1998-2012) including first- and second-generation immigrants.
• Urolithiasis diagnosis identified via the National Patient Register.
• Cox regression analysis used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) adjusted for age, sociodemographic status, and co-morbidity.

Main Results:

• First-generation immigrants showed slightly elevated urolithiasis risk (HR 1.06 for men, 1.12 for women) compared to referents.
• Higher risks observed in first-generation immigrants from Central/Eastern Europe, Russia, Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
• Second-generation immigrants generally had lower risks, with exceptions from specific European countries.

Conclusions:

• Significant variations in urolithiasis incidence exist among different immigrant groups in Sweden.
• Country of birth is an important factor influencing urolithiasis risk in immigrant populations.
• Findings have clinical implications for managing urolithiasis in diverse patient groups.