A Survey on knowledge, attitude and practice on urinary tract stones among patients presenting to the Out Patient Department (OPD), Teaching Hospital Peradeniya

Background Urinary tract stones are one of the major problems in present urology practice. As it mostly affects working age group, it is a major socioeconomic burden for the society. In this study our objective was to determine knowledge, attitude and practice on urolithiasis among patients who presented to the OPD of the Teaching Hospital Peradeniya and to compare the difference in between patients who had stones previously and not had stones. Methods This was a descriptive cross sectional study. We distributed a self administered questionnaires to 290 consented patients presented to the OPD over a period of one week. Patients’ demographic data, knowledge on risk factors and symptoms, positive attitudes and practice pattern of prevention were assessed. Results Out of 290 patients 194 were female and 96 were males. Their mean age was 36.9 years (age range 20-60 years). Of them 26 (9%) had a history of stone disease. The mean knowledge score was 9.03 out of 22 (41.06%, SD=2.14). However, most of them (85.9%) believed hard water can cause urinary tract stones. Few participants (35.4%) identified foods which associated with stone formation. 36.81% were aware on symptoms of urolithiasis. Regarding consultation for stone disease, 44.5% go to Nephrologist and 36.9% go to Urologist. Participants who had a history of stone disease have shown better knowledge which was statistically significant (P value<0.01). Similarly, attitudes and practice on prevention was better with subjects who had stones. Conclusions As participants’ knowledge, attitudes and practice on urolithiasis were poor, there is a need for the implementation of awareness programme for general population