A cross-sectional survey of urolithiasis prevalence in China

Objective To obtain the prevalence and distribution of urolithiasis among adult population in China. Methods From May 2013 to July 2014, a multi-stage random cluster sampling was used to investigate the prevalence of urolithiasis and distribution among adult population in 7 provinces/Municipalities in China. In total, 11 urban communities and 19 rural villages were selected. All residents 18 years of age or older in the selected clusters were underwent urinary ultrasound graph, interview of questionnaire, urine analysis and blood examinations. Urolithiasis diagnostic criteria: spots ≥4 mm in diameter was found in urinary system screen. Results A total of 12 570 sampling subjects were selected to participant the study. 9 310 participants completed the urinary ultrasound graph, with an average of (51.34±14.26)years old. The total response rate was 74.07%. There were 3 792(40.73%) male and 5 518(59.27%) female. 605 participants were found with urolithiasis. The overall prevalence was 6.50%. The adjusted prevalence was 6.06% (man, 6.85%; woman, 5.25%). The adjusted prevalence in Guangdong, Chongqing, Heilongjiang, Hunan, Shanghai, Gansu and Shanxi was 11.63%, 11.29%, 8.13%, 5.98%, 4.78%, 1.86% and 0.14% respectively. The prevalence of urolithiasis was significant higher in male(7.65% vs. 5.71%, P<0.01), rural areas (7.96% vs. 4.92%, P<0.01) , and southern China(8.85% vs. 2.85%, P<0. 01). The proportion of upper urinary stone, single stone and stones less than 10 mm in diameter was 99.5%(602/605), 61%(369/605) and 87.11% (527/605) among these 605 patients. Conclusions Urolithiasis is prevalent in adult population of China. The prevalence was significant higher in male, rural areas, and southern China. Upper urinary stones and stones less than 10 mm in diameter are the most urolithiasis. Key words: Adult population; Urolithiasis; Prevalence; Cross-sectional survey