Login to Access Video or Poster Abstract: MP01-15
Sources of Funding: none

Introduction

Understanding patients&[prime] knowledge of risk factors for nephrolithiasis may aid in developing prevention programs. We assessed patients&[prime] perceptions of dietary risk factors affecting kidney stone formation, and determined independent predictors of patient awareness of factors promoting stone disease.

Methods

A 24-question survey assessing dietary knowledge of nephrolithiasis risk factors and demographic data was administered prospectively to 1,018 urology patients. Responses were summarized with frequency and percent. Statistical comparisons were made using chi-square tests. Multiple logistic regression was used to detect significant predictors of knowledge of stone disease risk.

Results

The study cohort was comprised of 70% (n=711) male patients; overall, only 25% (n=259) of participants responded that diet had an effect on kidney stone development. A total of 28% (n=284) reported a prior history of stone disease; of those respondents, 43% (n=122) believed that diet does effect kidney stone formation. The majority of respondents (58.9%, n=598) reported a willingness to make lifestyle changes aimed at lowering their stone risk. Participants who reported previous nephrolithiasis education were 35 times more likely to indicate that diet affects the risk of kidney stone formation. (Odds ratio [OR] =35.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.58, 221.25, p <0.01) (Table 1). Respondents who had received prior education were 6.25 times more likely to have been counseled by a urologist than by a primary care physician (OR = 6.25, 95%, CI = 1.1, 33.3, p <0.04).

Conclusions

Knowledge of dietary risk factors promoting nephrolithiasis was limited among our study population. However, the majority of patients expressed a willingness to make appropriate nutritional modifications. Respondents who received prior education on stone development appeared to be aware that diet affects the risk of kidney stone formation. Patients indicated that urologists typically deliver kidney stone related education. These results suggest a need for comprehensive teaching strategies for patients regarding the modifiable risk factors for nephrolithiasis.

Funding

none