The prevalence of chronic kidney disease and its relation to socioeconomic conditions in an elderly Polish population: results from the national population-based study PolSenior.

BACKGROUND

Rapidly progressing ageing of worldwide populations is likely to increase the occurrence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the next decades. However, until now little is known about the prevalence of CKD in the Polish elderly population. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of CKD and its relation to socioeconomic conditions in the Polish elderly population.

METHODS

A glomerular filtration rate estimated (eGFR) according to the CKD-EPI formula and urine albumin/creatinine ratio were determined in 3797 out of 4979 randomly selected elderly subjects from the national survey study PolSenior. Additionally, some socioeconomic factors related to the prevalence of CKD were also analysed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CKD in the Polish elderly population was 29.4%. Only 3.2% of elderly subjects with CKD were aware of the disease. CKD was more frequent among urban dwellers, non-smokers, alcohol abstinents and those with low physical activity. Decreased eGFR was more frequent among less educated women, better educated men, blue collar female workers and white collar male workers. Increased albuminuria was associated with low physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS

(i) CKD affects almost one-third of the elderly Polish population. (ii) In Poland elderly subjects with CKD are usually unaware of their kidney disease. (iii) In Polish elderly population, CKD is more frequently present among urban residents, non-smokers, abstainers and less physically active people. (iv) Only in women is higher educational status related to the lower risk of CKD.