EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY ON RENAL STONE FORMATION AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG ADULTS AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Background: Renal stone disease, or urolithiasis, remains a significant public healthconcern in India, with increasing prevalence due to lifestyle and dietary changes.Urolithiasis affects approximately 10-15% of the global population and has shown aprogressive rise in incidence, particularly in developing nations like India whereclimatic and lifestyle factors play a substantial role. The study aimed to evaluate thedemographic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics associated with renal stoneformation among adults.Material and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conductedinvolving 300 adult patients diagnosed with renal stones at a tertiary care center inthe Department of nephrology. Data were collected on demographics, risk factors,clinical presentation, and stone characteristics including crystal composition andurinary findings.Results: The median age of incidence was 31 years, with a male predominance(72%). Major risk factors identified were a positive family history (65%),occupational dehydration (59%), and personal history of stones (53%). Commonclinical presentations included recurrent flank pain (96%), gross hematuria (61%),and renal colic (41%). Among the 180 patients analyzed for stone type, calciumoxalate stones were most prevalent (75%), followed by calcium phosphate (15%),uric acid (7%), and struvite (3%). Calcium oxalate stones were associated withyounger males, family history, and acidic urine. Uric acid stones correlated withdiabetes and obesity, while struvite stones were linked to UTIs and urinary tractanomalies. Awareness of dietary and fluid intake modification was notably low.Conclusion: The study highlights the multifactorial nature of renal stone formation,with modifiable risk factors such as hydration, diet, and metabolic disorders playinga key role. Early identification and preventive education, especially regarding dietaryhabits and fluid intake, can help reduce disease burden. Further studies and publichealth strategies are needed to address recurrence and prevention effectively