Single-center survey analysis of renal stones/crystals in 7 536 seafarers

Objective To retrospectively investigate the incidence and potential influencing factors of urinary tract stones/crystals among seafarers. Methods A total of 7 536 male seafarers who underwent health examinations at the Physical Examination Center of Shanghai Channel Hospital from May 2022 to October 2023 were randomly selected. All participants underwent ultrasound examination of the urinary tract. The age, job position, and daily water intake of the seafarers were recorded, and their relationships with kidney stones/crystals were studied. Results Among the 7 536 seafarers, 1 907 cases of kidney stones/crystals were found, accounting for 25.31%; among them, 832 cases were kidney stones, accounting for 11.04%, and 1 075 cases were kidney crystals, accounting for 14.26%. The detection rate of stones/crystals was higher among engine room staff than among deck staff (32.89% vs 19.10%, χ2=187.58, P＜0.05). The prevalence of renal stones/crystals among seafarers gradually increased with age (trend χ2=268.02, P＜0.05). As daily water intake increased, the prevalence of kidney stones/crystals among seafarers gradually decreased (trend χ2=106.20, P＜0.05). Conclusion Strengthening health education for seafarers, improving lifestyles and work environments, and reducing occupational hazards can help reduce the incidence of urinary tract stones/crystals among seafarers.