Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease: Report of a Preventive Screening Programme Conducted in an Unselected Urban Population in South West Nigeria

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health problem worldwide with rising prevalence resulting in high morbidity and mortality and the high cost of treatment. Diabetes and hypertension are the most common cause of CKD worldwide. Therefore early detection and treatment of these conditions through community-based prevention programmes will help in reducing the burden of CKD. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of CKD risk factors in an urban community in a developing country. Free prevention screening programme was carried out in Lagos, a large urban community in South-west, Nigeria. Blood pressure, random blood sugar tests and urinalysis (urine dipstick) were carried out among the respondents. Hypertension was detected in 36.3% (514) of the population, 2.6% (37) were diabetic and 28.9% (338) had overt proteinuria; 287 (20.3%) had grade I and 227 (16%) grade 2 hypertension respectively. After age-adjustment, the prevalence rate of hypertension was highest in the 45-54 year age group while diabetes was highest in the 75-84 years age stratum.Hypertension and proteinuria are prevalent in the community and this could account for the rising prevalence of CKD in the community. Our findings call for the setting up of a comprehensive CKD screening prevention programme in the country like is done in other developing countries of the world.