Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Patients with Urolithiasis Regarding Stone Examination Methods: A Cross-Sectional Study in China

Abstract

Background This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of patients with urolithiasis regarding stone examination methods. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Wuhai City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, between September 16, 2023, and December 30, 2024. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which included demographic information and KAP-related items. KAP scores were calculated, and their variations across different demographic groups were analyzed, with structural equation modeling (SEM) used to examine the interrelationships among the KAP dimensions. Results A total of 457 valid responses were obtained, with 251 participants (54.92%) being male. Among the respondents, 373 (81.62%) reported experiencing pain in the lower back or abdomen. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 11.23±2.98 (possible range: 0–18), 19.18±1.67 (possible range: 4–20), and 18.04±2.88 (possible range: 4–20), respectively. The mediation analysis showed that knowledge directly affected attitude (β = 0.462, P = 0.015) and practice (β = 0.312, P = 0.013), and attitude directly affected practice (β = 0.501, P = 0.009), as well as the knowledge indirectly affected practice (β = 0.231, P = 0.012). Conclusion Patients with urolithiasis demonstrated inadequate knowledge but self-reported highly positive attitudes and proactive practices, which were likely influenced by social desirability bias. Targeted educational interventions are urgently needed to translate these positive declarations into genuine clinical examination adherence.