Modifiable Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease in Adulthood seen among School Children in Asaba.

BACKGROUND: The burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is huge especially in developing countries like Nigeria. In Nigeria, treatment modalities for ESRD (renal replacement therapy) are not readily available and, where available, they are not affordable. Consequently, preventive nephrology aimed at early detection and prompt treatment of children with CKD risk factors has become the viable alternative in curbing this rising problem.

AIM: To determine the burden of some modifiable risk factors for CKD in adulthood (hypertension, obesity, proteinuria, and microalbuminuria) among primary school children in Asaba and to ascertain if there is any association between the prevalence of such modifiable risk factors and socio-economic status (SES) or school type of the children.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study involving 400 primary school students in Asaba. Albuminspecific dipstick urinalysis was used to determine microalbuminuria while standard dip-stick urinalysis was used to determine proteinuria. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure were measured for each child.

RESULTS: Modifiable risk factors for CKD were found among primary school children in Asaba with prevalence rates of 3.5%, 9.8%, 17.3%, and 18.8% for hypertension, obesity, proteinuria and microalbuminuria respectively. Obesity and proteinuria showed significant linear trend with SES (p < 0.005 and P=0.004, respectively) and were significantly higher in those that attended private schools compared with public schools (P < 0.005 and P=0.004, respectively). The burden of hypertension and microalbuminuria among the children were not influenced by their SES (p =0.94 and P= 0.99, respectively) or the school type the children attended (P=0.35 and P=0.44, respectively).

CONCLUSION: Obesity and proteinuria which are known risk factors for CKD in adulthood were noted mostly among children of high socioeconomic status.