Abstract

Background: Kidney stones are a frequent condition that can lead to acute pain and may progress to other chronic complications. Good control of risk factors can reduce the incidence of the disease. However, the level of knowledge about these risk factors among the Saudi community is not clear. This study aims to evaluate the awareness level of Saudi Arabia residents toward risk factors of kidney stones as well as the demographic characteristics associated with higher awareness levels.
Methodology: The study included a self-administered questionnaire that was distributed online among the general population in Saudi Arabia. The survey explored demographic data, as well as the awareness of risk factors and preventive measures of kidney stones.
Results: The mean score of knowledge about kidney stones' risk factors was 65.19 ± 11 out of 95. The males showed significantly higher scores compared to females (p-value = 0.043). Also, single subjects (p-value = 0.003), medical professionals (p-value < 0.001), and participants with relatives or friends with a positive history of kidney stones (p-value = 0.018) all showed significantly higher scores compared to their peers.
Conclusion: The level of knowledge of the Saudi community towards the risk factors of kidney stones is considered low, especially among individuals outside the medical field. Future studies are required in different areas of Saudi Arabia to get true estimates about the level of knowledge of the Saudi community as a whole.

Key words: Kidney stones, nephrolithiasis, risk factors, Saudi Arabia