PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF KIDNEY DISEASE AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING SOME SELECTED HOSPITALS IN ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL

Abstract

Kidney disease is an emerging public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, with prevalence rising due to urbanization, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. In Nigeria, many cases remain undiagnosed until advanced stages. Limited data exist on the burden of kidney disease in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), despite the area’s diverse and growing population. A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across five hospitals in AMAC: Wuse District Hospital, Garki District Hospital, Maitama District Hospital, Nyanya General Hospital, and Karu General Hospital. A total of 200 adult patients were recruited using systematic random sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, clinical measurements, and laboratory records. Kidney disease was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m² or presence of persistent proteinuria, based on KDIGO guidelines. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were used to analyze data, with significance set at p < 0.05. The prevalence of kidney disease was 23.0% (46/200). Nyanya (30.0%) and Karu (27.5%) recorded the highest prevalence, while Maitama had the lowest (15.0%). Hypertension (39.0%), diabetes (21.5%), and obesity (27.0%) were common among participants. Chi-square analysis showed significant associations between kidney disease and hypertension (p = 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.002), and obesity (p = 0.018). Logistic regression confirmed hypertension (OR = 3.4; 95% CI: 1.7–6.7), diabetes (OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.9–8.8), and obesity (OR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1–4.9) as independent predictors of kidney disease. Kidney disease is highly prevalent in AMAC, particularly in peri-urban hospitals, and is strongly associated with hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Strengthening early screening, improving management of modifiable risk factors, and implementing community-based preventive interventions are crucial to reducing the growing burden of kidney disease in Abuja.