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

Abstract

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.

Chronic kidney disease prevalence and awareness in middle age and young old: Regional comparative study in Japan

“…37 Yet, there are just few studies focused and discussed on this disparity and appealed for attention to the problem. 7,8 According to our data, the rate of the informants who answered 'YES' to the question that whether they are aware that they had 'chronic kidney failure' was only 0.57%, lower than the CKD prevalence and awareness. This discrepancy may be explained by the linguistic nuance of 'chronic kidney failure' in Japanese that reminds people of a very advanced stage of CKD.…”

“…However, in both developing 35 and developed countries, 36 the awareness rate of CKD was demonstrated that is fewer than 10% in the public awareness rate, which may lead to severe complications due to delayed treatment 37 . Yet, there are just few studies focused and discussed on this disparity and appealed for attention to the problem 7,8 . According to our data, the rate of the informants who answered ‘YES’ to the question that whether they are aware that they had ‘chronic kidney failure’ was only 0.57%, lower than the CKD prevalence and awareness.…”

“…5,6 In the early stages of CKD, patients tend to have minimal awareness of the disease. 7,8 However, whether CKD can be detected and treated in the asymptomatic early stage is crucial for the long-term survival of the patients. [9][10][11] Nevertheless, the awareness was estimated to remain unacceptably poor.…”