Published in PLOS One on 2026-05-04, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. HealthSignal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Sina Golestani, Mohammad Taghi Talebian, Ali Golestani, Zeinab Ahadi, Ozra Tabatabaei-Malazy, Ziba Aghsaei Fard, Abdolreza Mohammadi, Bagher Larijani, Seyed Mohammad Kazem Aghamir
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0343341
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Urolithiasis, a prevalent urological disorder, is associated with significant morbidity and economic burden. Despite the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data, regional specificity for urolithiasis burden in North Africa and Middle East (NAME) remains limited. This study aims to fill this gap by analyzing the burden of urolithiasis in the NAME region from 1990 to 2021.
Data from the GBD 2021 study were used to evaluate key health measures, including incidence, prevalence, mortality, years lived with disability (YLDs), years of life lost (YLLs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Age-standardized rates (ASRs) and absolute numbers were assessed across 21 NAME countries, stratified by sex, age, and sociodemographic index (SDI). Results were presented with 95% uncertainty intervals.
In 2021, the overall incidence reached 5.3 million (95% uncertainty intervals: 4.2–6.8) cases, compared to 2.0 million (1.6–2.5) in 1990. Prevalence rose from about 76,000 (61,000–96,000) cases in 1990–201,000 (160,000–257,000) in 2021. The number of deaths increased considerably from 142.1 (79.8–194.5) to 394.2 (182.4–509.5), and the DALYs rose from 10,814.0 (7,970.0–13,932.3) to 25,213.3 (17,943.5–33,787.7) from 1990 to 2021. ASRs for all burden measures remained stable and females consistently exhibited lower rates compared to males. There was a positive correlation between SDI and rates of incidence, prevalence, and YLDs; however, deaths, YLLs, and DALYs exhibited no significant correlation with SDI.
Urolithiasis imposes a growing health and economic burden in the NAME region, particularly among middle-aged populations and high-SDI countries. Targeted interventions and region-specific policies are crucial to address the rising disease burden effectively.
Introduction
Urolithiasis is a common urological disorder characterized by the formation of stones or calculi in the kidneys, bladder, or urethra. These stones can vary in composition, with calcium oxalate being the most prevalent type, accounting for a significant proportion of cases [1]. Clinically, urolithiasis is associated with a range of medical complications, including renal colic and hydronephrosis. Bilateral lithiasis, which more likely affects males and causes hyperuricemia, presents greater clinical challenges than unilateral stones. Additionally, the disorder has a high recurrence rate, which imposes substantial social and economic burdens on individuals and healthcare systems [2,3]. The etiology of urolithiasis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Several risk factors contribute to its development, such as dietary patterns, insufficient water intake, alcohol consumption, high body mass index (BMI), sedentary lifestyles, and excessive consumption of red meat [4–6]. Despite its health impact, urolithiasis awareness remains low in North Africa and Middle East (NAME) countries like Saudi Arabia [7]. This underscores the importance of raising awareness and understanding this condition to mitigate its impact.
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider research & evidence desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Sina Golestani, Mohammad Taghi Talebian, Ali Golestani, Zeinab Ahadi, Ozra Tabatabaei-Malazy, Ziba Aghsaei Fard, Abdolreza Mohammadi, Bagher Larijani, Seyed Mohammad Kazem Aghamir. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by HealthSignal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of HealthSignal’s staff.
Explore connected evidence
- Evidence brief: The rising burden of female cancer in Ethiopia (2000–2021) and projections to 2040: Insights from the global burden of disease study
- Evidence brief: Trends in the burden of sickle cell disorders in Sierra Leone, 1990–2023: An analysis of Global Burden of Disease Study 2023 estimates
- Evidence brief: Global, regional, and national burdens of late-onset epilepsy in adults aged 65 years and older from 1990 to 2021: A population-based study
