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.