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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
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Multimedia Battery for Assessment of Cognitive and Basic Skills in Mathematics (BM-PROMA)
Published on: August 28, 2021
Numeracy skills in CKD: correlates and outcomes
Khaled Abdel-Kader1, Mary Amanda Dew, Mamta Bhatnagar
1University of Pittsburgh, Renal- Electrolyte Division, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. abdelkaderk@upmc.edu
Summary
Poor numeracy skills are common in advanced chronic kidney disease patients. Higher numeracy was linked to kidney transplant receipt, suggesting a need for improved health communication strategies.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Health Literacy
- Medical Education
Background:
- Healthcare providers use numerical data (percentages, proportions) to explain treatment risks and benefits.
- Many patients struggle to interpret this quantitative health information, hindering informed decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess numeracy skills in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
- To examine the association between numeracy and healthcare utilization, including kidney transplantation.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study of 187 patients with stage 4-5 CKD or ESRD.
- Patients completed a three-item numeracy test and underwent assessments of cognitive function and demographics.
- The study analyzed the relationship between numeracy and healthcare use, such as dialysis modality and transplant status.
Main Results:
- Over 50% of patients had low numeracy skills, answering one or fewer questions correctly.
- Lower numeracy was observed in African Americans, women, and the unemployed, but deficits were widespread across all subgroups.
- Higher numeracy was significantly associated with being on the kidney transplant waiting list or receiving a transplant, after adjusting for covariates.
Conclusions:
- Poor numeracy is highly prevalent in patients with advanced CKD and ESRD, mirroring general population findings.
- Further research is warranted to determine if poor numeracy acts as a barrier to kidney transplantation.
- Clinicians should consider implementing communication aids to support patients with limited numeracy skills in kidney disease care.
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