Prevalence of CKD reported in developed and developing countries range
from 2.5% to as high as 35.8% in elderly
population13. The prevalence of CKD 11.7% versus
11.1% in semi urban and rural populations compares well with the
prevalence of 12.4% in Kinshasa (Urban) and 13.0%, Muando (Rural) in
the Democratic Republic of Congo14. The overall age
and sex prevalence of 7.8% was observed in another semi urban community
study highlighting the prevalence of CKD and its risk factors among
adults in Umuahia Southeast Nigeria15. These figures
are alarming compared to North Central Nigeria were Ebene et
al 16 documented a prevalence of 2.5% during 2003
world kidney day screening activities.
The impact of this high prevalence on patients’ quality of life is
enormous. There is need for a renewed interest in the scale of risk
factors which have not been clearly elucidated. It was observed that by
2010, and 2013 that the overall age and sex adjusted prevalence of CKD
was 12%8, and 11.4% (11.7% in semi-urban and 11.1%
in rural)12. This high prevalence may create
opportunity for CKD associated complications. The most common and
bothersome complication is ESRD which account for 42% of renal
admissions in Nigeria. This may have irreversible changes to the kidney
function leading to more fatalities. This however, may not signify
improved renal care and control of risk factors for CKD. Therefore,
screening for risk factors facilitates early detection and evaluation
for better prognosis thus helps stem the rising tide of CKD.
We document the risk factors that might have impacted the high
prevalence and how awareness level of risk factors screening across the
population contribute to the disease and preventive measures.