ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Worldwide, urolithiasis is the third most common urological disease affecting both males and females. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to stone formation. The recurrence rate is approximately 50%, rising to 70% within 10 years and this condition represents a significant healthcare cost burden. An unusually frequent history of urolithiasis has been observed among patients from the rural area of Thebes, Viotia, Greece. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of urolithiasis in Thebes. METHODS: A representative sample of persons from the rural area of Thebes was questioned about the occurrence of urinary stones during their lifetime, and acute urolithiasis in 2005. A logistic regression model was used to contrast individuals with lithiasis to those without lithiasis. RESULTS: A total of 422 subjects participated in the study. We found a 15% prevalence of urolithiasis in the rural population of Thebes. The rate was slightly higher in men than in women in almost all age groups questioned, although this was not statistically significant. No case of urolithiasis was found in subjects under the age of 17 years. The prevalence of urolithiasis appeared to increase with age in both men and women. Those drinking bottled water were less likely to have lithiasis. CONCLUSION: The life time prevalence rate of urolithiasis observed in the rural area of Thebes was higher to that reported in other studies performed among males and females in the general population of Europe.
