DIETARY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ESCALATING INCIDENCE OF RENAL CALCULI: A CLINICAL STUDY

Abstract

Renal calculi, commonly known as kidney stones, have emerged as a significant urological disorder in Pakistan, particularly in urban regions such as Lahore where dietary imbalance, environmental heat exposure, and inadequate hydration contribute to increasing incidence rates. This clinical study investigates the dietary and environmental risk factors associated with renal calculi formation among patients admitted to tertiary care hospitals in Lahore. The study is grounded in the Multifactorial Risk Theory, which explains renal stone formation through the interaction of metabolic, nutritional, and environmental determinants. A quantitative cross-sectional methodology was employed using structured questionnaires and clinical reports collected from 150 patients diagnosed with renal calculi at Mayo Hospital, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, and Jinnah Hospital. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS to identify major contributing variables. Findings revealed that low water intake, excessive consumption of oxalate-rich foods, high sodium diets, carbonated beverages, and prolonged exposure to hot climatic conditions were strongly associated with stone formation. Male patients aged 25–45 years demonstrated the highest prevalence. The results further indicated that nearly 72% of participants consumed less than the recommended daily water intake, while 64% reported frequent intake of salty and processed foods. Measurable outcomes demonstrated a significant association between dehydration and recurrent renal calculi episodes, emphasizing the need for dietary modification and public health awareness programs. The study highlights preventive nutritional strategies as essential interventions for reducing renal stone burden in Pakistan.