Knowledge, Awareness, and Dietary Practice on Urolithiasis among the General Population in Dakshina Kannada.

Abstract

Urolithiasis, or kidney stones, is a prevalent and burdensome condition globally, including in the Dakshina Kannada community. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and dietary practices related to urolithiasis among residents of Dakshina Kannada, with the goal of identifying areas for targeted intervention to improve urinary tract health outcomes. A stratified random sampling method was employed to select 632 participants from the Dakshina Kannada district. A structured questionnaire encompassing demographic information, urolithiasis awareness, and dietary habits was used for data collection. Questionnaires were distributed both online and offline, and data were collected over one month. Descriptive statistics and percentages were used to analyze the data. Among the surveyed participants, 60.1% reported awareness of urolithiasis, with healthcare professionals being the primary source of information (50.0%). However, only 42.7% were aware of dietary factors influencing kidney stone formation. Notably, 52.5% did not drink at least 2 liters of water per day, and 69.9% were unaware of foods that could prevent kidney stones. Despite this, 63.3% expressed interest in educational programs about preventing urolithiasis. The study highlights significant gaps in knowledge and awareness regarding urolithiasis and its dietary influences among residents of Dakshina Kannada. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions to improve awareness and promote preventive behaviors. Collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, and community stakeholders is essential to address these knowledge gaps and reduce the incidence of urolithiasis in the community.