Health-Risk Factors and 8-Year Incidence of Kidney Disease in Transitional Thailand: Prospective Findings From a Large National Cohort Study

Abstract

Objective: Kidney disease (KD) is increasing its burden in Thailand but prospective observational KD studies are few. So we analysed 8-year nationwide Thai Cohort Study (TCS) data on KD incidence, distribution and risk association among Thais. Design and Method:TCS is a longitudinal study of the Thai health-risk transition among Open University student residing nationwide. At baseline (2005) the cohort members analysed here were aged 15-88 years and did not have KD. At the follow up in 2013 (n=41638) incident KD was reported based on doctor diagnosis. We analysed the 8-year cumulative incidence of KD and its association with risk factors by using multivariable logistic regression. Results:The incidence of KD (2005 to 2013) was 4.0%; the rate in men (5.9) was significantly higher than in women (2.5). KD increased significantly for both increasing age and body mass index (BMI) (p trend <0.001 for both). Its incidence was strongly associated with concurrent diseases including hypertension, diabetes and high blood lipids and moderately associated with increased frequency of cigarette smoking, instant food, roast or smoked food and soft drink consumption. KD decreased with increases in personal income, household assets, walking and physical activity. Conclusion:Physical activity, high income and household assets prevented KD. Lifestyle changes such as smoking and high consumption of instant, roast or smoked food and soft drink increased risk of KD. Government should encourage more physical activity and less smoking, salt and sugar.