Assessment of Renal Functions and Determinant Risks of Chronic Kidney Diseases among Health Workers in Northern Nigeria

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health challenge, particularly in underdeveloped and developing nations. The 2021 World Kidney Day (WKD) exercise held in this study area presented a fantastic chance to assess renal functions and identify risk factors predisposing health workers to kidney diseases.

Methods: Subjects were recruited from among hospital staff during the 2021 WKD exercise. Questionnaires were administered to consented subjects to obtain demographic data, BMI, blood pressure levels were among the characteristics examined. Blood samples were obtained for serum creatinine and fasting plasma glucose and urine was collected for protein and glucose. Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) was estimated using the MDRD equation. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0.

Results: The prevalence of CKD was 26%. Alcohol use was observed in 2.3% and tobacco use in 5%; significantly higher in males (8.7%).The use of herbal drugs was seen as 24.2%, higher in males. High BMI was observed in 35.6% of participants, higher in females (47.3%). However, the history of hypertension was higher in males compared to females (25.4% vs 19.4%, p-value =0.331). Mean Serum Creatinine was significantly higher among males (84.6 ± 22.9 mg/dl) than females (2.4 ± 14.0 mg/dl), p-value < 0.001.

Conclusion: The incidence of chronic kidney disease is rising across the country as seen in our study and some significant risk factors were also identified in this study group. There is a need for periodic assessment of renal functions to forestall the full blow of kidney diseases among health workers.