Abstract

Objective: Urinary stone disease is a common health problem in the industrialized countries. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of urolithiasis in Tokat district.

Materials and methods: Between August 2005 and February 2006, a urinary system ultrasonography was performed in 1,095 participants recruited from Tokat. Stone disease history, age, sex and body weight were recorded. The relation between urinary stone disease and risk factors such as obesity, age, and sex were assessed.

Results: Renal stones were detected with urinary ultrasonography in 44 (4.02%) participants. Additionally, there was a history of urinary stone disease in 125 (11.42%) participants. There was a significant relationship between urinary stone disease and an increased age and body mass index (p<0.05). The development of renal stone and degree of hardness of water was not significantly associated in people with a history of stone disease.

Conclusion: Urinary stone disease affects 4% to 20% of the population. It leads to serious social problems in the industrialized countries and further comprehensive epidemiological studies are warranted for prevention of the disease and evaluation of the treatment protocols.