Opportunities for a chronic disease outreach program in China

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• The prevalence of regular dialysis treatment (RDT) varies significantly across Greater China (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mainland China), the United States, and Japan.
• Taiwan exhibits a higher RDT prevalence than the US and Japan, while Mainland China shows a substantially lower rate.
• Bridging this gap in Mainland China would necessitate treating an additional 2 million patients, posing a considerable financial challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of kidney disease and RDT in Mainland China.
• To inform public health strategies for improving RDT access and patient outcomes.
• To lay the groundwork for a comprehensive epidemiologic study in Zhuhai.

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of RDT prevalence data from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mainland China, the US, and Japan.
• Preliminary planning for an epidemiologic study in Zhuhai, China.
• Collaboration with international and local medical institutions.

Main Results:

• Identified a substantial deficit in RDT prevalence in Mainland China compared to Taiwan.
• Highlighted the immense financial implications of increasing RDT access to match Taiwan's levels.
• Emphasized prevention as the most viable strategy for improving the situation.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need to address the low prevalence of RDT in Mainland China.
• Prevention of kidney disease is paramount to improving patient outcomes and managing healthcare costs.
• An upcoming epidemiologic study in Zhuhai will provide crucial data for targeted interventions.