The Impact Of Nephrolithiasis On Patients’ Quality Of Life: At Khamis Mushayt General Hospital, Institutional-based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Nephrolithiasis, more commonly referred to as kidney stones, is a painful yet rather prevalent urological condition for hundreds of millions of the world's population. The Global Burden of Disease Study estimated that the world's prevalence of nephrolithiasis was 10.6%, hence over 700 million people, by estimate [1]. It is characterized by the deposition of hard mineral and acid salt deposits in the kidneys, which may give rise to excruciating pain, obstruction of urine, and, in extreme cases, renal failure [2]. There has been an increasing recognition that the effects of nephrolithiasis on patients' quality of life (QoL) form an integral part of the management of the disease and care for the patient. Several studies have demonstrated that kidney stone patients suffer from lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) than the general population [3]. Factors such as pain, fear of recurrence, and the need for invasive procedures contribute to the diminished QoL experienced by these patients [4]. Besides, there is an association of nephrolithiasis with a significant economic burden due to direct healthcare costs and lost productivity 5. Problem Statement: Nephrolithiasis or kidney stones is an important public health concern because of its high prevalence, recurrence rates, and pain and complications associated with it. It affects 10.6% of the global population, translating to over 700 million people 6. Incidentally, a rising incidence of nephrolithiasis has been seen in the patients reporting to Khamis Mushayt General Hospital, KMGH, which is located in the Asir region, Saudi Arabia. It is in the backdrop of such a trend that relatively less is known about the effects of nephrolithiasis on QoL among patients in the local context. Patients with kidney stones often report lower HRQoL compared to the general population because of symptoms such as pain and/or fear of recurrence and invasive treatments [8]. Besides, the condition imposes a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems and patients through direct costs and lost productivity [10]. Specific understanding of the influencing factors on QoL of the patients, particularly in the Asir region, therefore places healthcare providers in an appropriate position in the management and development of interventions. Without evidence of data in this field, this limits or restricts one's ability to develop evidence-based policies or means of mitigating burdens both patients and the entire health setup have continually suffered from concerning this condition, nephrolithiasis.