Urinary stone disease (USD) is a growing global health concern, yet its prevalence and burden in Mexico remain poorly characterized. Limited epidemiological data hinder public health planning and the development of preventive strategies.
To provide a comprehensive assessment of USD prevalence, geographic distribution, and associated risk factors in Mexico, and to explore the influence of socioeconomic, environmental, and healthcare determinants. A two-phase study was conducted, including (1) an ecological analysis of the 2018 Health and Nutrition National Survey (n = 43,070) and official national datasets, and (2) a systematic review of English- and Spanish-language literature, including gray literature (2012-2024). Correlations between USD prevalence and human development, income inequity, healthcare access, diet quality, and climate were analyzed. Risk factors and metabolic abnormalities were extracted and pooled from included studies. Nationwide USD prevalence was 33.2 per 1,000 persons, peaking in adults aged 50-70 years. The highest prevalence occurred in Yucatan (72.2), Mexico City (61.5), and the Gulf Coast (Tabasco and Veracruz). Obesity [OR 1.69], type 2 diabetes [OR 1.68], and hypertension [OR 2.04] were significantly associated with USD. Prevalence correlated with lower human development (r = -0.39), higher income inequity (r = 0.49), poverty (r = 0.37), limited healthcare access (r = -0.39), poor diet quality (r = -0.42), and higher temperatures (average r = 0.47; maximum r = 0.44). The systematic review (16 studies, n = 3,073) identified metabolic syndrome (52%), obesity (46%), hypocitraturia (59%), and hypercalciuria (37%) as common risk factors. USD affects millions of Mexicans, with marked geographic and socioeconomic disparities. The disease burden is likely underestimated, creating significant clinical, economic, and public health challenges. Urgent strategies targeting prevention, early detection, equitable access to care, and modifiable risk factors are essential to reduce morbidity, recurrence, and societal impact.
Urolithiasis. 2025 Dec 06*** epublish ***
Mario Basulto-Martínez, Ricardo Méndez-Molina, Manuel Enríque Mendoza-Arcila, Camilo S Ayala-Muñoz, Antonio Esqueda-Mendoza, Juan Pablo Flores-Tapia
Department of Urology, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de la Península de Yucatán, No. 433, Altabrisa, Mérida, CP 97133, Yucatán, Mexico. ., Department of Urology, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de la Península de Yucatán, No. 433, Altabrisa, Mérida, CP 97133, Yucatán, Mexico.