Chronic kidney disease risk factors in workers of an agricultural research institute in Southern Nigeria

Background: The incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is on the increase worldwide. Treatment for end-stage kidney disease constitutes a huge burden on the economy of nations affected. Early identification, modification, and treatment of CKD risk factors are the best options. Objective: This study assessed common CKD risk factors in a population of workers in an organization. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey that involved 242 workers in an agricultural research institute. CKD risk factors assessed were hypertension (HTN), hyperglycemia, abdominal obesity using waist–hip ratio (WHR), general obesity using body mass index (BMI), proteinuria, and serum creatinine. Results: The prevalence of HTN, elevated blood sugar, general obesity, abdominal obesity, proteinuria, and elevated serum creatinine were 47.1, 9.7, 14.2, 66.5, 5.9, and 20.4%, respectively. Older participants were more likely to have elevated blood pressure, BMI, WHR, and blood sugar serum creatinine. Being a known hypertensive was associated with elevated BMI, WHR, and blood sugar compared with those without a previous diagnosis of HTN. Conclusion: The presence of HTN and being middle aged to elderly was associated with higher CKD risk. Workers in organizations should have mandatory annual screening for CKD and its risk factors to aid risk modification, early detection, and treatment.