Risk Factors of Kidney Stones in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Renal calculi, commonly known as kidney stones, affect approximately 12% of the global population, often resulting in mild to severe pain and complications such as infection and renal failure. The causes are multifactorial, involving lifestyle factors, genetic predisposition, and various medical conditions. Despite advancements in treatment, the incidence of kidney stones is on the rise, especially in regions like Asia's stone belt, which includes Pakistan as well. This study investigates the risk factors associated with kidney stones in patients at the Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan, with the goal of informing healthcare policymakers and educating patients to reduce the prevalence and economic burden of the disease in the region. Methods Over a four-month period, 173 patients admitted to the department with confirmed urolithiasis were recruited using a consensus sampling technique. Inclusion criteria were adults aged 18 or older residing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Exclusion criteria included pregnancy, incomplete medical records, secondary causes of renal stones, and unwillingness to participate. Data on socio-demographic factors, clinical history, and lifestyle habits were collected through structured interviews. Descriptive analysis was performed using SPSS software version 23 (IBM Inc, Armonk, New York). Results The study findings indicate that kidney stones were notably prevalent among patients aged 31 to 45 years, with 85 cases identified, comprising 49.1% of the study participants. Furthermore, a significant proportion of affected individuals were males, accounting for 94 cases (54.3%). Those with primary schooling or lower education comprised 106 cases (61.3%), and 124 individuals (71.7%) had lower socioeconomic status. Overweight individuals constituted 81 cases (45.8%) of the total. The study also found a considerable prevalence among residents of rural areas, with 128 cases identified (74.0%). Additionally, 104 cases (60.1%) had a personal history of renal stones. Insufficient water intake was prevalent among 122 individuals (70.5%), while daily consumers of more than one cup of tea also exhibited a higher prevalence, with 97 cases identified (56.1%). Lastly, individuals with a high sodium diet were notably affected, with 112 cases (64.7%) recorded. Conclusion In summary, individuals aged 31-45, males, those residing in rural areas, with lower educational and socioeconomic status, insufficient water intake, a diet high in sodium, personal history of kidney stones, and overweight are at higher risk of urolithiasis. Public education on preventive measures is essential to decrease the incidence of kidney stones and enhance quality of life.