Risk factors for chronic kidney disease among adults in a tertiary hospital community in north-central, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is on the increase globally with an attendant heavy disease burden and high morbidity and mortality from end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Data on the prevalence of risk factors for chronic kidney disease from sub-Saharan Africa are scanty, more so in the northern part of Nigeria. There are several risk factors for CKD which include, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and some nephrotoxic agents. Preventive strategy through early detection and treatment has been advocated for CKD especially in our own setting where majority of patients present late and cannot afford the cost of renal replacement therapy which again is not readily available.

Method: This study was conducted among the staff of Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BHUTH), Jos, as part of a screening exercise during the World Kidney Day (WKD) program of 2021, to determine the prevalence of modifiable risk factors for CKD. Adult subjects of 18 years and above, who consented to the study were mobilized after a sensitization talk. The parameters assessed were demographics, body mass index, blood pressures, proteinuria, fasting plasma glucose and plasma creatinine. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated using CKD-EPI Creatinine Equation 2021. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. The level of statistical significance was set at a p-value of < 0.05.

Results: 150 adult volunteers participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 43.3±11.32 years (18-71 years), with 61.3% being females and 38.7% were males. The frequency of the risk factors of CKD observed were obesity in 45 (30.0%) of the participants and diabetes mellitus found in 44 (29.3%) of the participants, Proteinuria and glycosuria were found in 49 (32.7%) and 9 (6.0%) of the participants respectively while a whopping 37 (24.7%) of the participants had haematuria. The number of participants found with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <60ml/min/1.73m2 were 55 (36.7%). There was an independent association between older age (p = 0.010), being widowed/divorced (p = 0.041), and having diabetes (p = 0.006) with an eGFR <60ml/min/1.73m²

Conclusion The prevalence of CKD risk factors in this study population was high. Therefore, there is the need for adequate and continuous sensitization and routine screening in our various clinics for early detection and early management by lifestyle and risk factor modification to halt or reduce the growing burden of CKD with its attendant morbidity and mortality in Nigeria.