Abstract
BACKGROUND: Kidney stones, commonly calcium-based, form due to urine supersaturation and are influenced by factors such as pH, diet, and comorbidities. Symptoms include pain, hematuria, and infections. Studies indicate a higher prevalence in men and obese individuals. Risk factors include gender, climate, low fluid intake, and metabolic syndrome. Limited research has been conducted in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and associated risk factors of kidney stones among participants in the Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study included 386 participants from the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. Data on kidney stone prevalence and risk factors were collected using structured questionnaires. Associations were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The study assessed the prevalence of kidney stones and associated risk factors among 386 participants in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. More than half of the participants (n = 214, 55.4%) reported kidney stones, with male participants (n = 141, 65.9%) significantly more affected than female participants (n = 73, 42.4%; p < 0.001). Older age groups, particularly 51-60 years (n = 29, 78.4%) and >60 years (n = 5, 83.3%), showed higher prevalence (p < 0.001). Smoking (n = 87, 73.1%; p < 0.001), high blood pressure (n = 77, 81.9%; p < 0.001), and family history (n = 93, 77.5%; p < 0.001) were significant risk factors. The adjusted analysis identified smoking (odds ratio (OR) 1.776; p = 0.033), hypertension (OR 3.439; p = 0.001), and family history (OR 3.085; p < 0.001) as strong predictors. Higher education was protective (OR 0.563; p < 0.001), while BMI and other comorbidities showed no significant associations. CONCLUSION: This study highlights a high prevalence of kidney stones in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, with significant predictors including male gender, older age, smoking, hypertension, and family history. Higher education was found to be protective. These findings underscore the importance of targeted prevention strategies addressing modifiable risk factors and promoting public health awareness.