Limited knowledge of chronic kidney disease and its main risk factors among Iranian community: an appeal for promoting national public health education programs

The assessment of public perception towards chronic kidney disease in Jordan: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

Kidney diseases are considered silent killers due to the lack of well-defined symptoms. Public knowledge about chronic kidney disease (CKD) management has been shown to decrease the risk of CKD onset and progression to end-stage renal disease and renal failure. The main objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of kidney function, CKD symptoms, etiology, prevention and treatment in the general population.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study using a validated questionnaire was conducted in Jordan to assess public knowledge of CKD. Public knowledge of CKD was assessed using a questionnaire consisting of 32 knowledge questions, including risk factors, symptoms, treatment, protective measures and kidney function. The knowledge level was classified according to the total score: poor (0-50%), intermediate (51-70%) and good/high (71-100%). Multiple regression analysis was performed to compare knowledge scores (KS) and predict associations with the participants' baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

The level of knowledge about CKD among the 2181 participants was intermediate. The KS was significantly higher among participants with health issues such as hypertension, diabetes and heart problems, first-degree relatives working in the medical field, majors relevant to health, married, employed, highly educated, high-income and smokers. The main sources of knowledge about CKD were health professionals, TV shows, books and magazines. Multiple regression analysis showed an association between KS and age, sex, functional status, educational level and field, income, smoking status, having a family member/spouse work in the medical field, and knowledge source.

CONCLUSIONS

The public level of knowledge about CKD management is greatly influenced by participants' health and social factors. Thus, improving public knowledge and perception through education and the media will significantly reduce CKD prevalence and incidence.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward cardiovascular complications among end-stage renal disease patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward cardiovascular complications among end-stage renal disease patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

METHODS

This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital between December 2022, and May 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 545 valid questionnaires were collected, with an average age of 57.72 ± 13.47 years. The mean knowledge, attitudes and practices scores were 8.17 ± 2.9 (possible range: 0-24), 37.63 ± 3.80 (possible range: 10-50), 33.07 ± 6.10 (possible range: 10-50) respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients from non-urban area had lower knowledge compared to those from urban area (odds ratio (OR) = 0.411, 95% CI: 0.262-0.644, P < 0.001). Furthermore, higher levels of education were associated with better knowledge, as indicated by OR for college and above (OR = 4.858, 95% CI: 2.483-9.504), high school/vocational school (OR = 3.457, 95% CI: 1.930-6.192), junior high school (OR = 3.300, 95% CI: 1.945-5.598), with primary school and below as reference group (all P < 0.001). Besides, better knowledge (OR = 1.220, 95% CI: 1.132-1.316, P < 0.001) and higher educational levels were independently associated with positive attitudes. Specifically, individuals with a college degree and above (OR = 2.986, 95% CI: 1.411-6.321, P = 0.004) and those with high school/vocational school education (OR = 2.418, 95% CI: 1.314-4.451, P = 0.005) have more positive attitude, with primary school and below as reference group. Next, better attitude (OR = 1.174, 95% CI: 1.107-1.246, P < 0.001) and higher education were independently associated with proactive practices. Those with college and above (OR = 2.870, 95% CI: 1.359-6.059, P = 0.006), and those with high school/vocational school education (OR = 1.886, 95% CI: 1.032-3.447, P = 0.039) had more proactive practices, with primary school and below as reference group.

CONCLUSIONS

End-stage renal disease patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis demonstrated insufficient knowledge, positive attitudes, and moderate practices regarding cardiovascular complications. Targeted interventions should prioritize improving knowledge and attitudes, particularly among patients with lower educational levels and income, to enhance the management of cardiovascular complications in end-stage renal disease.

Assessment of Public Knowledge about Chronic Kidney Disease and Factors Influencing Knowledge Levels: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a significant risk for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), cardiovascular diseases, and premature death. The study aims to assess CKD knowledge and predictive variables among the general public. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the general public in Al Medina Al-Munawara, Saudi Arabia, utilizing a 21-item questionnaire-based approach over a 4-month period from January 2023 to April 2023. The developed questionnaire was validated for readability by experts and refined in light of the feedback received from the experts and the final version was prepared. The reliability of the questionnaire was 0.71, which shows an acceptable level of internal consistency. The data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS software (version 25). Results: A total of 777 complete surveys were received after applying the exclusion criteria. The study results revealed that the majority of the respondents had poor knowledge 505 (65%), 203 (26.1) had moderate knowledge, and 69 (8.9%) had good knowledge. Gender (p = 0.004), age (<0.001), education level (p = 0.039), marital status (p = 0.003), and occupation (p = 0.002) play significant roles in shaping participants' knowledge levels regarding CKD. Lower odds of good knowledge were associated with females with an OR (95% CI) of 0.448 (0.263-0.764) and intermediate or higher secondary school level of education displayed an OR (95% CI) of 0.39 (0.18-0.89). Higher odds of good knowledge levels were associated with the age group of 18-27 with an OR (95% CI) of 5.077 (1.21-21.38) and being employed with an OR of 3.555 (1.04-12.21). Conclusions: A significant proportion of respondents had poor knowledge about CKD. Several demographic factors were associated with CKD knowledge. Further research is needed to explore these knowledge disparities and develop targeted interventions to improve CKD knowledge among the general public.

Population knowledge on chronic kidney disease, its risk factors and means of prevention: a population-based study in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil

INTRODUCTION

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been increasing significantly. There is evidence that a large part of the population does not have enough knowledge on the subject.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the level of knowledge about CKD in the general population, its risk factors and means of prevention.

METHODS

We ran a cross-sectional study in the population of Fortaleza, Ceará - Brazil, between 2017 and 2020, with the application of a questionnaire on CKD, risk factors and prevention.

RESULTS

we interviewed 735 volunteers, with a mean age of 38 years, of which 55% were female. Only 17.2% correctly responded to the concept of CKD, and 5.8% knew the concept of creatinine. Low water intake was the most cited risk factor by respondents (79.3%). The main risk factors and direct causes of CKD (diabetes and hypertension) were mentioned less frequently (13.2% and 15.1%, respectively). Men were more correct regarding risk factors and ways to prevent CKD. Older respondents answered more correctly the questions about the definition of CKD (n = 22; 28.6%) and creatinine (n = 7; 9.0%). With regards to education there was a statistically significant correlation in all the questions (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

There is little knowledge about CKD in the general population. Higher level of education is associated with better knowledge. More health education actions are needed so that the population becomes better acquainted with CKD and, consequently, can adopt more adequate prevention and control measures.

Conhecimento da população sobre a doença renal crônica, seus fatores de risco e meios de prevenção: um estudo de base populacional em Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil

Resumo Introdução: A doença renal crônica (DRC) vem aumentando de forma significativa. Há evidências de que grande parte da população não tem conhecimento suficiente sobre o assunto. Objetivo: Investigar na população geral o nível de conhecimento sobre a DRC, seus fatores de risco e meios de prevenção. Métodos: Foi realizado estudo transversal na população de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil, entre 2017 e 2020, com aplicação de um questionário sobre DRC, fatores de risco e prevenção. Resultados: Foram entrevistados 735 voluntários, com média de idade de 38 anos, dos quais 55% eram do sexo feminino. Apenas 17,2% responderam corretamente ao conceito de DRC, e 5,8% sabiam o conceito de creatinina. A baixa ingestão hídrica foi o fator de risco mais citado pelos entrevistados (79,3%). Os principais fatores de risco e as causas diretas de DRC (diabetes e hipertensão) foram mencionados com menor frequência (13,2% e 15,1%, respectivamente). Os homens tiveram maior acerto com relação aos fatores de risco e às formas de prevenção da DRC. Os entrevistados com idade mais avançada responderam mais corretamente às perguntas sobre a definição de DRC (n = 22; 28,6%) e creatinina (n = 7; 9,0%). No que diz respeito à escolaridade, em todas as perguntas houve correlação estatisticamente significativa (p < 0,05). Conclusão: Há um baixo nível de conhecimento sobre a DRC na população geral. Maior nível de escolaridade associa-se a um melhor conhecimento. São necessárias mais ações de educação em saúde para que a população conheça melhor a DRC e consequentemente possa adotar medidas de prevenção e controle mais adequadas.

Chronic kidney disease awareness among the general population: tool validation and knowledge assessment in a developing country

Introduction

Good knowledge and early identification of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can help in preventing disease progression in its early stages and reducing undesired outcomes. The aim of the current study was to assess the level of public knowledge about CKD, determine predictors of better knowledge, and to construct and validate a CKD knowledge scale for public health assessment and research use.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using an electronic self-administered questionnaire. All people living in Lebanon and being 18 years of age and above were considered eligible for recruitment. CKD knowledge was assessed by a 37-item scale that was constructed by principal component analysis and then validated. The score of the CKD knowledge scale was computed from the extracted factors. A multivariable binomial logistic regression model evaluated the sociodemographic and clinical predictors of the knowledge score.

Results

A total of 1308 participants were included. The scale items converged over 9 factors with Eigenvalue greater than 1 and explaining 53.26% of the total variance, and the total scale had a high Cronbach’s alpha of 0.804. All items of the scale significantly correlated with the full scale with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.082 to 0.558. The ROC curve analysis determined an optimal cutoff point of better knowledge at 47.5 with 70.6% sensitivity and 44.2% specificity. The CKD knowledge score had a median of 51.00 (IQR 47.00–55.00). Higher knowledge score was significantly associated with old age (ORa = 1.018, 95% CI 1.006–1.030, P = 0.003),, occupation (ORa = 3.919, 95% CI 2.107–7.288, P <  0.001), and recent renal function assessment (ORa = 2.314, 95% CI 1.532–3.495, P <  0.001). However, a lower knowledge score was significantly associated with lower level of education (ORa = 0.462, 95% CI 0.327–0.653, P <  0.001).

Conclusion

A reliable tool to assess public knowledge and awareness about CKD was developed and validated. The overall knowledge was good, however, important gaps in CKD awareness were detected in some areas and subpopulations. Therefore, public health stakeholders need to implement targeted CKD educational activities to minimize the disease burden.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12882-022-02889-2.

Public Awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia-A Cross-Sectional Survey

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a significant public health concern worldwide and many people continue to ignore their early warning symptoms. The present study assessed the level of knowledge about CKD the awareness of the risk factors and the awareness of the complications associated with CKD, among the general population of Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. 440 residents of Jazan Province participated in an online cross-sectional survey during a seven-month period from November (2020) to July (2021). Data was collected using a validated 73-item self-report survey. More than half of the respondents were males (n = 286; 65%) with an age ranging from 18 to 59 years, and a mean age of 32.66 years (SD ± 10.83). A very low percentage of the sample (27.3%; 7.5%, 9.3%) demonstrated good knowledge, a high level of awareness of the risk factors, and a high level of awareness of the complications associated with CKD, respectively. Participants’ knowledge was significantly associated with being a student or being employed (Government/private employee) (χ2 = 29.90; p < 0.001), having completed graduate studies (χ2 = 63.86; p < 0.001), residing in urban areas (χ2 = 138.62; p < 0.001), belonging to the age group (18−39 years), and having no co-morbidities (χ2 = 24.55; p < 0.001). Positive and significant correlations were also noted between the knowledge score and the awareness of risk factor score (r = 0.42; p < 0.01), as well as the awareness of complications score (r = 0.25; p < 0.01). These findings warrant an urgent need for extensive CKD educational initiatives concentrating on improving the general knowledge and awareness of the public towards CKD.

Knowledge and Risk Perceptions of Chronic Kidney Disease Risk Factors among Women of Childbearing Age in Lagos State, Nigeria: From a Health Demography Approach

Background. Kidney disease (KD), also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD), is a long-term underrecognized public health concern and one of the eight leading causes of death in women. Despite that, little is known about women’s knowledge, perceived risk, and perceptions of CKD risk factors. In this study, we assessed knowledge, perceived risk, and perceptions of CKD risk factors among women of childbearing age in Lagos State, Nigeria. Methods. Administering a pretested and structured questionnaire among 825 women aged 15–49 years, we conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study to evaluate knowledge, self-reported CKD risk factors, and risk perception among women of childbearing age in urban and semiurban communities in Lagos State, Nigeria. We used descriptive (mean, frequencies, and percentages) and bivariate statistics (chi-square) to assess sociodemographic factors influencing knowledge and perceptions of CKD risk factors. Binary and multinomial logistic regressions were further employed to assess risk perceptions of CKD factors associated with knowledge. Results. Five hundred and forty (65.5%) out of 825 women reported being knowledgeable of CKD risk factors with majority of the younger adult women (15–29 years) having good knowledge than other age cohorts, with a mean age of 33.5 ± 11.5 years. The women’s knowledge of CKD was found to be significantly associated with independent and dependent risk factors ( $p$  < 0.05). The major self-reported independent CKD risk factors were misuse of analgesics (NSAIDs) (OR = 1.20; $p$  < 0.05), herbal drinks (OR = 2.30; $p$  < 0.05), and herbal supplements (OR = 1.37; $p$  < 0.05), while self-reported dependent CKD risk factors were hypertension (OR = 2.14; $p$  < 0.05), family history of KD ailments (OR = 1.30; $p$  < 0.05), and high cholesterol (OR = 1.44; $p$  < 0.05). Similarly, majority of the women had low perceived CKD risk (54.8%), while women with CKD risk factors (independent and dependent) view themselves at decreased perceived risk for the disease compared to those who are not associated with CKD risk factors ( $p$  < 0.05). Also, findings revealed that women had poor perception of risk factors associated with CKD. The multivariate analysis of perceived risk showed that demographic factors (younger aged adults, high education, and high income), independent risk factors of CKD (misuse of NASAIDs and excessive use of herbal drink and herbal supplement), and dependent risk factors (hypertension and family history of KD ailments) were significantly associated with knowledge of CKD ( $p$  < 0.05). Conclusion. Our study reveals high knowledge of CKD risk factors but low perceived risk and poor perception of the link between CKD risk factors and its ailments. Given this, there is a call for urgent measures to create sensitization and provide public CKD behavioural health interventions as well as easy communication strategies for women to secure better access to awareness intervention programmes and healthcare services.

Limited Public Knowledge of Chronic Kidney Disease in a Resource-Limited Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease, Medication, and Laboratory Investigation among Nephrology and Urology Patients of Quetta, Pakistan

Patients’ awareness is critical in medical care, as it can serve as an input into the adjustment of interventions. The aim of study was to explore the level of awareness regarding chronic kidney disease (CKD), its medications, and laboratory investigations among nephrology and urology patients of Quetta. The cross-sectional study was used by adopting and culturally modifying a questionnaire. By convenient sampling technique, a total of 500 questionnaires were self-administered to inpatients, outpatients, and dialysis patients, and 468 responses (response rate 93.6%) were analyzed. Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and reliability analysis were performed on SPSS v25. A majority, 50.3% (n = 235), was unaware of symptoms that will develop due to worsening of disease, while 56.2% (n = 263) were unaware of what aggravates their kidney function. Almost half of the affected individuals, 47.4% (n = 222), have no understanding about the long-term prognosis of the disease. The majority of the respondents, 51.5% (n = 248), do not know about the names and usage of medications, and 62.4% (n = 292) were unaware of the medicines that may impair kidney function; more than half, 66.7% (n = 312), were unaware about the necessary laboratory investigations. A strong association between awareness and patient education level was found (p < 0.001). Awareness regarding disease condition, medications, and laboratory investigations of CKD among nephrology and urology patients of Quetta was found out to be low, which needs immediate educational intervention.

Perceptions of chronic kidney disease among at-risk adults in rural Guatemala

This qualitative study explores perceptions of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among adults with abnormal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in Guatemala, where the burden of CKD is rising. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 39 individuals screened for CKD and found to have abnormal eGFR (defined as <90 mL/min/1.73 m2, per Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes [KDIGO] guidelines). Interviews occurred in participants' homes in Spanish or Kaqchikel Mayan. Interview notes were coded for dominant themes through an inductive approach. Interviewees had limited awareness of diabetes and hypertension as CKD risk factors, but appreciated the progressive nature of the disease. While most reported willingness to pursue renal replacement therapies, if necessary, they anticipated economic and geographic barriers. Public health interventions should focus on the association between diabetes, hypertension, and CKD. Improvement of primary care and screening infrastructure is imperative in CKD prevention in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Kidney Disease Knowledge and Its Determinants Among Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

The alarming rise in the incidence of end-stage renal disease in Nigeria is likely to continue if patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) lack knowledge of this disease, its management, and practices to support effective self-management. The study aimed to assess CKD knowledge and to investigate its predictors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a paper-based questionnaire at the medical and nephrology outpatients' clinics of a secondary and tertiary hospital in Maiduguri. The study enrolled 220 patients with CKD stages 1 to 4. Sixty-five percent of the participants had poor CKD knowledge. The patients who had a tertiary level of education were significantly more likely to have higher CKD knowledge compared to those with no formal education (adjusted odds ratio: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.20-5.72). The study shows that the majority of the participants had poor CKD knowledge. Tertiary educational level was the only significant independent predictor of higher CKD knowledge. Therefore, targeted educational interventions are needed among patients with no or low formal education to be able to support them with self-management behaviors.

Knowledge of Chronic Kidney Disease Among the Population of Saudi Arabia Evaluated Using a Validated Questionnaire: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

Public knowledge and awareness regarding chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important factor influencing the successful implementation of CKD prevention and screening programs. To the best of our knowledge, there are no studies conducted among the Saudi population to explore the public knowledge of CKD using a validated questionnaire. Hence, we explored the knowledge of CKD among the population of the Kingdom of Saudi using a validated questionnaire to determine the level of knowledge regarding CKD as well as the predictors of CKD knowledge.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional online survey study conducted between 12 January 2020 and 11 February 2021. A structured study questionnaire in the Google^TM platform, with socio-demographic variables and questions assessing CKD knowledge, was used to collect data. A snowball sampling technique was used to recruit participants.

RESULTS

A total of 983 people accessed the survey and 951 provided a complete response. Respondents belonging to the age group 41-55 years, having masters or PhD level education, having monthly income >15,000 SR, married, doing >150 minutes/week physical activity had significantly higher kidney disease knowledge. There were significant differences in the mean kidney disease knowledge total score between participants with and without: a history of kidney disease (5.63, df = 895, p<0.001), diabetes mellitus (2.34, df = 949, p = 0.019), hypertension (3.25, df = 949, p = 0.001), and family history of kidney failure (4.60, df = 949, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The study revealed a lack of awareness among the Saudi population regarding knowledge about CKD. However, a significantly higher level of knowledge prevailed among respondents from higher educational and higher economic backgrounds. Those with risk factors for CKD also held a greater knowledge about the disease.

Knowledge and Practices towards Prevention and Early Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease and Associated Factors among Hypertensive Patients in Gondar Town, North West Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease is a global health problem with serious adverse effects, including kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. Improving awareness and practice on the impact, prevention, and early detection of chronic kidney disease will reduce the significant economic and public health burden.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine knowledge and practice towards prevention and early detection of chronic kidney disease and its associated factors among hypertensive patients in Gondar town in 2019. The study included hypertensive patients visiting health institutions from February to March 2019. Data was collected using a semistructured questionnaire and individuals who fulfilled our inclusion criteria were selected using a systemic random sampling technique. Epi Info software version 7 was used for data entry, and SPSS version 20 was used for descriptive and logistic regression analysis.

RESULT

Out of a total of 442 participants, 434 completed the questionnaire, with a response rate of 98.1%. Of the total, 298 (68.7%) had good knowledge of chronic kidney disease with a mean knowledge score of 8.78 ± 2.80 and 210 (48.4%) had good practice with mean practice score of 6.58 ± 1.61. Educational status, residence, and duration of hypertension were significantly associated with the knowledge and practice scores of the participants in the multivariate logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

More than half of the participants had good knowledge about chronic kidney disease and its risk factors. However, the level of preventive practice among participants was low. The educational status, residence, and duration of hypertension were significantly associated variables with knowledge and practice scores in multivariate logistic regression.

Socioeconomic Determinants of Knowledge of Kidney Disease Among Residents in Nigerian Communities in Lagos State, Nigeria

Objectives

We sought to estimate the knowledge, sociodemographic determinants, and risk-inducing lifestyles of kidney disease (KD) among Nigerians living in Lagos State.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study to assess the level of knowledge of KD and its associated sociodemographic factors of individuals living in urban and semi-urban communities of Lagos State, Nigeria. It is hoped that the results of this study will help to inform preventive modalities. We used a pretested, structured questionnaire to draw information from 1171 Nigerians aged ≥ 15 years.

Results

The mean age of respondents was 33.5±11.1 years. In our cohort, 72.4% of respondents were knowledgeable of KD, with media as their major source of information (41.6%). Knowledge of KD was significantly associated with age (p = 0.044), education (p < 0.001), marital status (p < 0.001), and place of residence (p = 0.048). The established KD risk-inducing lifestyle factors were habitual use of herbal supplements, significant alcohol consumption, and diabetes (p < 0.050). Significant predictors of knowledge of KD included primary education (Odds ratio (OR) = 0.367, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.11–1.22; p =0.102), secondary education (OR = 0.296, 95% CI: 0.17–0.51; p < 0.001), Igbo ethnic group (OR = 1.471, 95% CI: 0.99–2.17; p = 0.047), and place of residence (OR = 1.332, 95% CI: 1.00–1.77; p = 0.048). Age 30–39 years (OR = 0.749, 95% CI: 0.48–1.18; p = 0.214), 40–49 years (OR = 1.083, 95% CI: 0.69–1.69; p = 0.727), and not working (OR = 1.178, 95% CI: 0.88–1.57; p < 0.269) were non-significant predictors of knowledge of KD.

Conclusions

Our cohort had inadequate knowledge of linking risk-inducing lifestyles to KD development. Effective measures and efforts should be made to create awareness and educate the general population on KD and prevention measures related to risk-inducing lifestyles to reduce the burden of KD among Nigerians.

Factors contributing to primary caregiver delay in presenting children with chronic kidney disease for medical care in Ghana

BACKGROUND

Conforming to the 2016 World Kidney Day focus on raising awareness of the early detection of kidney diseases in children, we report on factors that contribute to primary caregiver delay in presenting their children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) for medical care in Kumasi, Ghana.

AIM

The objective of the study was to explore and describe the factors that contribute to primary caregiver delay in presenting children with CKD for medical care in Kumasi, Ghana.

SETTING

The study was conducted in the Paediatric Renal Unit in Kumasi, Ghana.

METHODS

A qualitative study was conducted in January 2017. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from a convenience sample of 10 primary caregivers whose children were admitted for CKD, but were not too ill. The primary caregivers had to respond to the research question: What factors contribute to your delay in presenting your child with CKD for medical care? Thematic data analysis and the ecological model of Schneider (2017) were used to organise the findings.

RESULTS

Four themes and related subthemes, including intrapersonal-related factors, interpersonal-related factors, community-related factors and infrastructural factors were identified as those that contribute to delay in presenting children with CKD for medical care.

CONCLUSION

The findings show that primary prevention strategies for CKD in children should not only focus on personal-related factors but also cut across all levels of the socio-ecological model in order for them to be effective.

Management of Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease in Fiji in 2018: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Patients

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to identify the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) at Sigatoka Subdivisional Hospital (SSH) in 2018 since no studies have been done on this issue so far in Fiji.

METHODS

A quantitative, cross-sectional study including 225 patients was carried out July 1, 2018, through August 31, 2018, using a validated self-structured questionnaire. Fijians, aged 30 years or above, with confirmed T2D and CKD who were attending the Special Outpatient Department (SOPD) at SSH, were included in the study using a purposive sampling method to identify eligible participants. Data was gathered by a questionnaire that covered questions related to each aspect of KAP.

RESULTS

The relation of native Fijians (i-Taukei) to Fijians of Indian descent (FID) was approximately 1:1. The majority of participants had high levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice (61.8%, 63.6%, and 88.4%, respectively). However, a few areas of low knowledge were evident, such as the relation between high blood pressure and renal status in people with diabetes and the need for renal transplant in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) abroad. Low attitude was apparent for the impact and management of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Low practice was evident regarding clinic attendance, self-monitoring, and opting for non-medical treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of T2D patients with CKD had a high level of knowledge, but weaknesses were observed in the self-management of CKD and clinic attendance. This information should be considered by clinicians and policy-makers to improve management and treatment of CKD in T2D.

Patient Awareness, Prevalence, and Risk Factors of Chronic Kidney Disease among Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertensive Patients at Jimma University Medical Center, Ethiopia

Background

There is an alarming rise of chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence globally, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality necessitating special attention as one of the major public health problems. The burden of CKD disproportionately impacts low-income countries like Ethiopia where hypertension and diabetes mellitus, the two most important risk factors for CKD growth rate, are greatest.

Objective

The aim of this study is to assess patient awareness, prevalence, and risk factors of chronic kidney disease among hypertensive and diabetes mellitus patients.

Methods

Hospital based cross-sectional study design was conducted at Jimma University Medical Center among adult (≥18 years) hypertensive and diabetes mellitus patients. Informed written consent was obtained from each participant and data was collected by interview and chart review; blood and urine samples were collected for CKD screening. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated from serum creatinine using CKD epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation, and CKD was defined using estimated GFR (e-GFR) and albuminuria. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of CKD and p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant.

Result

Mean (±SD=standard deviation) age of participants was 54.81 ± 12.45 years and 110 (52.9%) of them were male. Only 59 (28.4%) of the participants had awareness about CKD and its risk factors. The prevalence of CKD was 26% (95% CI; 20.3%-31.8%). Factors associated with chronic kidney disease were uncontrolled blood pressure (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.22,95% CI=1.01-4.76), fasting blood sugar ≥ 150 mg/dl, (AOR=3.70,95% CI=1.75-7.69), angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) nonusers, (AOR=4.35 ,95% CI=1.96-10.0), poor knowledge of CKD (AOR=3.69, 95% CI=1.48-9.20), and long duration of hypertension (AOR=4.55, 95%CI=1.72-11.11).

Conclusion

Our study found out low level of patient awareness and high prevalence of CKD. The predictors of CKD were uncontrolled blood pressure, fasting blood sugar> 150 mg/dl, long duration of hypertension, ACEIs nonusers, and poor knowledge about CKD.

Public knowledge of chronic kidney disease evaluated using a validated questionnaire: a cross-sectional study

Background

Screening programs may help to address the burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Australia. Public awareness is an important determinant of the uptake of screening programs. However, data on the public knowledge of CKD in Australia is lacking. The aim of this study was to develop a validated questionnaire and assess the Australian public knowledge of CKD.

Methods

A CKD knowledge questionnaire was developed after reviewing the literature and discussions with nephrology experts. Content validity was performed by nephrologists (n = 3), renal nurses (n = 3) and research personnel (n = 4). The questionnaire was piloted in 121 public participants. Next, discriminant validation was performed by recruiting two additional groups of participants: final year undergraduate pharmacy students (n = 28) and nephrologists (n = 27). Reliability of the questionnaire was assessed by calculating Cronbach’s alpha. Next, a cross-sectional survey of the Australian public (n = 943) was conducted by using the validated questionnaire. It was administered using an online Omnibus survey. Quota sampling was used for participant selection and to ensure that the final sample would match the key characteristics of the Australian population. Finally, a standard multiple regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of the public knowledge.

Results

The median CKD knowledge scores of the public, students and nephrologists were 12, 19 and 23 (maximum score of 24), respectively, with statistically significant differences in the scores across the three groups (p < 0.001; Kruskal-Wallis test). The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.88 (95% CI: 0.86–0.91), indicating that the questionnaire had good internal consistency. In the cross-sectional survey of the Australian public, the participants’ mean (SD) age was 47.6 (±16.6) years and 51.2% were female. The mean (SD) knowledge score was 10.3 (± 5.0). The multivariate analysis showed that participants with a higher level of education; with a family history of kidney failure; with a personal history of diabetes; and currently or previously living in a relationship had significantly higher knowledge scores.

Conclusion

The Australian public knowledge of CKD was relatively poor. Improving public knowledge may assist in increasing early detection and subsequent management of CKD in Australia.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-018-5301-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The First Report on the Frequency of Asymptomatic Proteinuria in Iranian School-aged Children

Background

Proteinuria is a well-known indicator of renal dysfunction. In this study, we evaluated the frequency of proteinuria in a sample of healthy Iranian elementary school students using both dipsticks and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) methods.

Materials and Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed on 478 school students aged 7-9 years who were selected by multistage random cluster sampling from Isfahan city, Iran. A clean midstream first-morning urine sample was obtained from each subject. Urine samples were examined by dipstick method, and accordingly, they were reported as negative; trace; 1+; 2+; 3+; and 4+. UACR was determined in samples with positive dipstick proteinuria (defined as trace or greater).

Results

This study included 478 students (42.8% boys), with mean age of 7.0 ± 0.4 years. Positive dipstick was detected in 124 (25.9%) cases. The frequency of positive dipstick proteinuria was significantly higher in the girls than boys (29.6% vs. 20.9%, respectively; P = 0.04). In cases with a positive dipstick, 10 (2.1%) cases had UACR 30-300 mg/g. The frequency of UACR of 30-300 mg/g was 1.4% and 2.5% in boys and girls, respectively. There was no significant difference in the frequency of UACR 30-300 mg/g in terms of gender (P = 0.4). None of the subjects had UACR above 300 mg/g.

Conclusion

While the frequency of asymptomatic proteinuria varies widely across different studies, we found a higher rate of proteinuria in Iranian children. Cost-effectiveness analyses are needed to justify large screening program for detecting asymptomatic proteinuria, as a cardinal manifestation of kidney disease, in Iranian children.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of hypertensive patients towards prevention and early detection of chronic kidney disease: a cross sectional study from Palestine

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is the second most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, the aims of the study were to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of hypertensive patients towards prevention and early detection of CKD, and to determine the clinical and socio-demographic factors, which affect the KAP regarding prevention of CKD.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was held using the CKD screening Index to assess the KAP of 374 hypertensive patients who were selected from multiple primary healthcare centers in Nablus, Palestine. The CKD Screening Index is formed of three scales. First, the knowledge scale was a dichotomous scale of 30 items, while the attitude scale used 5-point Likert-type scale for 18 items and finally the practice scale was measured using 4-point Likert-type scale for 12 items. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the association between clinical and socio-demographic factors and practices.

RESULTS

In total, 374 hypertensive patients participated in the study. The mean age of participants was 59.14 ± 10.4 years, (range 26-85). The median (interquartile range) of the knowledge, attitude, and practice scores of hypertensive patients towards prevention and early detection of CKD were 20 (16-23), 69 (65-72), and 39 (36-42), respectively. In multiple linear regression analysis, patients age < 65 years (p < 0.001) and patients with high education level (p = 0.009) were the only factors significantly associated with higher knowledge scores. Additionally, patients age < 65 years (p = 0.007), patients with high income (p = 0.005), and patients with high knowledge score (p < 0.001) were the only factors significantly associated with higher attitude scores. Furthermore, regression analysis showed that patients with higher total knowledge (p = 0.001) as well as higher total attitudes scores towards CKD prevention (p < 0.001), male gender (p = 0.048), and patients with normal body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.026) were statistically significantly associated with higher practice score towards CKD prevention.

CONCLUSIONS

Among hypertensive patients, higher scores for total knowledge and attitudes toward prevention, male sex, and normal BMI were associated with modestly higher scores for prevention practices. Finally the findings may encourage healthcare workers to give better counseling to improve knowledge.

Prevalence and determinants of chronic kidney disease in northeast of Iran: Results of the Golestan cohort study

Background

The burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing globally in particular in fast emerging economies such as Iran. Population-based studies on prevalence of CKD in Iran are scarce. The objective of the current study was to explore the prevalence and determinants of CKD in the setting of Golestan Cohort Study (GCS), the largest prospective cohort in the Middle East.

Methods

In this observational study, 11,409 participants enrolled in the second phase of GCS were included. Sex, age, literacy, residence, anthropometric measurements, smoking, opium use, self-reported history of cardiovascular diseases (heart disease and/or stroke), hypertension, diabetes, and lipid profile were the predictors of interest. The outcomes of interest were eGFR and CKD defined as eGFR< 60 ml/min/1.73m².

Results

Mean (SD) of GFR was 70.0 ± 14.7 ml/min/1.73m² among all participants, 68.2 ± 14.2 among women, and 72.0 ± 15.0 among men. Prevalence of CKD was 23.7% (26.6% in women, 20.6% in men). The prevalence of CKD stages 3a, 3b, 4, and 5 were 20.0%, 3.3%, 0.4% and 0.1%, respectively. Female sex, older age, urban residence, history of CVD, hypertension or diabetes, larger body mass and surrogates of body fat and opium use were all associated with CKD. Opium had a significant positive association with CKD in adjusted model. All anthropometric measurements had positive linear association with CKD. Being literate had inverse association. Sex had significant interaction with anthropometric indices, with higher odds ratios among men compared with women. A significantly high association was observed between the rate of change in waist circumference and systolic blood pressure with risk of CKD.

Conclusion

One in four people in this cohort had low eGFR. Obesity and overweight, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia are major risk factors for CKD. Halting the increase in waist circumference and blood pressure may be as important as reducing the current levels.

Poor knowledge of colorectal cancer in Brunei Darussalam

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common gastrointestinal cancer and the incidence is increasing in many developing countries. While it can be detected early and even prevented through screening and removal of premalignant lesions, there are barriers to screening which include low level of knowledge and awareness of CRC. This study assessed the level of knowledge of CRC in Brunei Darussalam.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 431 (262 male and 161 female) subjects participated in this questionnaire study. Subjects were scored on their knowledge of signs/symptoms (maximum 10 correct answers) and known risk factors for CRC (maximum 10 correct answers) and were categorised into poor (0-2), moderate (3-4) and satisfactory (5-10). Comparisons were made between the various patient factors.

RESULTS

Overall, 54.1% could not name any CRC signs/symptoms or associated risk factors. Most were not aware of any screening modalities. The overall scores for CRC signs/symptoms and risk factors were 1.3±1.39 (range 0-6) and 0.6±1.05 (range 0-5) respectively. Overall, the breakdown of scores was: poor (78.1%), moderate (20.3%) and satisfactory (6.2%) for signs/symptoms and poor (93.2%), moderate (6.2%) and satisfactory (0.7%) for risk factors. Higher level of education, female gender and non-Malay race were associated with higher scores for both signs/symptoms and knowledge of screening modality; however the overall scores were low.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that the general knowledge of CRC in Brunei Darussalam is poor. Being female, with higher levels of education and non-Malay race were associated with higher scores, but they were still generally poor. More needs to be done to increase the public knowledge and awareness of CRC.