Prevalence and Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease in Belize: A Population-based Survey.

BACKGROUND

Health resources supporting dialysis and chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are limited in Central America, and little information about the prevalence and risk factors for CKD in this region is available.

METHODS

The Survey of Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease was a population-based cross-sectional study conducted throughout Belize in 2017. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors for CKD via structured questionnaires and clinical measurements in Belizeans aged 20-55 years. A two-stage stratified sampling technique was applied. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1·73 m or the presence of proteinuria.

FINDINGS

A total of 7,506 adults with a mean age of 34·6 years old completed the survey; 53·2% were women. The overall CKD prevalence was 13·7%. Women had a higher CKD prevalence than men (14·8% vs. 12·5%), and the overall awareness of CKD was low (3·7%). The prevalences of stage 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 4, and 5 CKD were 2·85%, 2·93%, 6·59%, 1·10%, 0·18%, and 0·06%, respectively. Older age, female sex, Mestizo/Hispanic ethnicity, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, and obesity were identified as independent risk factors for CKD.

INTERPRETATION

The prevalence of CKD was 13·7% in Belizeans aged 20-55 years. The study confirms the high burden of CKD in Belize and provides important epidemiological information for Central America. Case management systems and surveillance programmes targeting high-risk populations are crucial for ameliorating the burden of CKD.

FUNDING

Capacity Building Project for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Renal Failure in Belize.