Parsley, pints, and potions: unraveling patient errors in kidney stone care.

OBJECTIVE

Despite evidence-based preventive strategies for urolithiasis, patient adherence remains low, partly due to misconceptions about non-evidence-based remedies. This study aims to quantify the prevalence of these misconceptions. PATIENTS AND

METHODS

An internet-based questionnaire was distributed to adults with a self-reported history of kidney stones. The survey assessed beliefs in beer apple cider vinegar and parsley as preventive agents. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to evaluate associations between misconceptions, demographic factors, and adherence.

RESULTS

Among 100 adults with self-reported kidney stones who completed the online questionnaire, 50% believed that drinking beer prevents kidney stones, 52% endorsed parsley consumption, and 17% believed in apple cider vinegar as protective agents. Misconceptions about beer or parsley were marginally associated with younger age (OR 0.75 per higher age category, 95% CI 0.55–1.02, p = 0.069), but not significantly linked to gender, family history, obesity, or surgical history. Participants holding these misconceptions demonstrated modestly lower adherence to evidence-based practices, including medication compliance (71.4% vs. 75.0%) and completion of metabolic evaluation (70.3% vs. 75.0%), though differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Misconceptions about beer, parsley, and apple cider vinegar as kidney stone preventive agents are prevalent among patients with urolithiasis, with a trend toward higher rates in younger individuals, and may undermine adherence to evidence-based strategies despite non-significant differences observed. Targeted educational interventions are needed to address these myths, particularly in populations relying on non-scientific sources. This study highlights the utility of internet-based surveys in identifying barriers to urolithiasis prevention.