Self-reported screening of nephrologists for chronic kidney disease: a nationwide survey

Int Urol Nephrol. 2009 Dec;41(4):973-6. doi: 10.1007/s11255-009-9538-9. Epub 2009 Mar 6.

Abstract

Background: The incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing, with major health and economic implications. World Kidney Day was established to increase the general public's awareness of CKD. The purpose of this report was to document the self-awareness of CKD by nephrologists practicing in one country, Nigeria.

Methods: Self-administered questionnaires addressing self-awareness about CKD were distributed to nephrologists attending a meeting of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology.

Results: Twenty-eight (35.4%) of the respondents admitted to being at risk for CKD; 93.7% reported having urinalysis done in the past, but only 50.6% had done it within the last 12 months. Similarly, 74.7% had at least had a serum creatinine measurement. Only 12.7% had ever had their glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimated.

Conclusion: Self-screening for CKD among Nigerian nephrologists is suboptimal. This self-neglect may translate into poor CKD screening practices for their patients.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health
  • Creatinine / analysis
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Glomerular Filtration Rate
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Nephrology*
  • Nigeria
  • Physicians*
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / diagnosis*
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / prevention & control
  • Risk Assessment
  • Self-Examination / methods
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*
  • Urinalysis

Substances

  • Creatinine