Introduction:
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is on the increase globally especially in Sub-Saharan Africa due to surge in its risk factors like analgesic abuse, use of herbs, obesity, elevated blood pressure and diabetes mellitus especially in the younger population. Low level of awareness and knowledge about CKD have led to late presentation of patients to hospitals with resultant rising economic burden and poor clinical outcome.
Methods:
The study involved 201 residents of Enugu which included health workers, civil servants, traders, artisans, drivers and students. The details of the study were explained to the participants and informed consent obtained from those 18 years and above. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to obtain demographic data like age, sex and occupation; and also to assess knowledge about risk factors, prevention and symptoms of CKD in participants. Clinical examination performed included weight (kg), height (meters), body mass index, blood pressure measurement, random blood glucose, urinalysis using combi-9 and serum creatinine level.
Results:
Out of the 201 participants, 101 (50.5%) were females while 100 (49.5%) were males. The mean age of participants was 41.6 ± 15.4 (range 18 - 94years). The mean weight of subjects was 76 ± 14.5kg while mean height was 1.6 ± 0.9 meters. The mean SBP was 130.7± 22.2mmHg while that of the DBP was 84.1 ± 13mmHg. Those who had elevated Blood Pressure (BP) defined as Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) of ≥140mmHg and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) ≥90mmHg were 50 (25.8%). Twelve (5.4%) had elevated blood glucose defined as blood glucose of ≥180mg/dl with a blood glucose range of 57.2 – 363mg/dl. History of cigarette smoking was found in 18 (8.1%) while herbal concoction ingestion was found in 71 (32%) subjects. Eighty eight (39.6%) admitted taking Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) for at least one year. Only 21 (9.5%) had screening in the past for CKD. Knowledge about the functions of the kidney was observed in 99 (44.6%) of the participants. Sixty-six (29.6%) were able to state the risk factors of CKD while 82 (36.9%) were able to state the symptoms of CKD. The prevalence of CKD was 7.2% with 9 (4.5%) at stage 3, 1 (0.5%) at stage 4 and 2 (1.2%) at stage 5. There was negative correlation between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and age (p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (p<0.001) and systolic blood pressure (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
The prevalence of CKD and risk factors still remain high while awareness is still low despite increasing access to information and healthcare at present. Focus on increased awareness and preventive measures are advocated to reduce the economic burden of CKD.
I have no potential conflict of interest to disclose.
I did not use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process.