Burden of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-sectional Study Assessing Socio-demographic Correlates and Co-morbid Conditions in Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Introduction: The global prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is approximately 10-15%, with India experiencing an increasing burden due to lifestyle changes, diabetes, hypertension and environmental factors. Despite the high prevalence, region-specific epidemiological data remain scarce. Understanding the occurrence and contributing factors of CKD in Chengalpattu district is crucial for developing effective prevention and management strategies. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of CKD in Chengalpattu district. To identify the socio-demographic determinants and co-morbid conditions associated with CKD. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Chengalpattu district from June 2024 to December 2024. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 420 adults. Adults who gave consent and were over 18 years old were chosen according to the Screening for Occult Renal Disease (SCORED) criteria. The study tool included socio-demographic details and the SCORED questionnaire. The Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation was utilised to measure the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). Data entry and analysis were performed using Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0, respectively. The Chi-square test was used to identify associations between selected variables, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The study revealed that the overall prevalence of CKD was 55.5% (206 participants). Out of 420 participants, 371 were tested for eGFR, among whom the majority were in CKD stage 2 {177 (47.7%)}. A smaller proportion was diagnosed with stage 3a {22 (5.9%)}, stage 3b {2 (0.5%)}, stage 4 {4 (1.1%)} and stage 5 {1 (0.3%)}. The majority of participants were aged over 50 years {245 (58.3%)}, with a higher proportion of females {286 (68.1%)} and unemployed individuals {140 (33.3%)}. Proteinuria was found to be a strong and significant predictor of CKD, with an adjusted odds ratio of 11.55 (5.61-26.12). Age over 50 years showed a borderline significant effect on CKD {p-value=0.054, OR=3.71 (0.98-14.01)}. Conclusion: The study findings indicate that CKD is a significant public health issue in the region, with a substantial proportion of the population exhibiting risk factors such as advanced age, male gender, a history of co-morbidities and proteinuria. This underscores the urgent need for early screening, lifestyle modifications and improved access to nephrology care.

Keywords

• family history
• glomerular filtration rate
• glucosuria
• proteinuria