Urine analysis screening for crystalluria: evaluating prevalence and associated factors among school-aged children in beni-suef governorate in egypt. a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Crystalluria is frequently found during the routine examination of urine sediments. Urinary screening is a valuable tool for the early detection of occult urinary abnormalities. Objectives This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of urinary crystalluria among school children, and assess the associated factors for crystalluria among children in Beni-Suef Governorate, Egypt. Methods A cross-sectional study of 220 apparently healthy children (aged 6–12 years) recruited from public/private schools in Egypt via multi-stage proportionate sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires (socio-demographics, clinical history) and first-morning urine analysis. Crystals were identified via phase-contrast microscopy with polarized light. Statistical analysis included chi-square, ANOVA, t-tests, and multivariate logistic regression. Results A total of 220 participants were included; 65% were females, and the mean age was 8.58 ± 2.03. Crystalluria prevalence was 84.1% (n = 185/220), with amorphous urates predominating (75.9%). Increased Weight was the sole demographic associated factor, significantly associated with the presence of amorphous phosphate crystals (OR = 1.132, * p * = 0.014), alongside dysuria (OR = 5.610, * p * = 0.022) and female sex. Calcium oxalate crystals were linked to family stone history (OR = 2.741, * p * = 0.042), prior surgery (OR = 1.245, * p * = 0.027), dysuria (OR = 4.203, * p * = 0.019), balanced diet, and appropriate growth. Uric acid crystals showed the strongest association with child stone history (OR = 10.000, * p * = 0.033), followed by dysuria (OR = 2.005, * p * = 0.034), suprapubic pain, and dietary/growth factors. Dysuria emerged as a common predictor across all crystal types. Conclusion Crystalluria is highly prevalent in Egyptian school children. Increased Weight, dysuria, family/child stone history, and prior surgery were the most significant associated factors for specific crystal types. Therefore, we need to follow up on children to detect the future effects of crystalluria and widen the screening in Egypt.