Epidemiological Profile of Patients with Urolithiasis in Cameroon: Results of a Single-Center Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Urolithiasis, with a global prevalence of 1–20%, is an important healthcare problem affecting both adults and children. The incidence of urolithiasis has been rising in Sub-Saharan Africa due to dietary and lifestyle modifications. In Cameroon, there is a paucity of data concerning this condition. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of patients presenting with urolithiasis in Cameroon. Methodology: This was a 5-year retrospective study, involving the records of patients diagnosed with urolithiasis between January 2017 and December 2022. It was carried out at a specialist urologic centre in Douala. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Results: The mean age of the patients with urolithiasis was 43.4 ± 13.5 years. The prevalence of urolithiasis was 4.9%, and the age group with the highest disease burden was 40–60 years (153 (42.9%)). Urinary stones were observed more in men (236 (66.1%)), in patients who drank less than 1 litre of water per day (340 (95.8%)), in patients living in urban areas (339 (95.0%)), and in patients with a BMI between 25.0 kg/m² and 29.9 kg/m² (98 (40.5%)). Colicky abdominal pain was the most common presenting complaint observed in 93% (n = 332) of patients. Stones were found on the right side in 44.3% (n = 158) of the cases, and the most common locations were the kidney (202 (56.6%)) and the ureter (102 (28.6%)). Conclusion: Urolithiasis is common in Cameroon, with a prevalence within the global prevalence range. It occurs more in males, and the highest prevalence is in the 40–60 age group.