Prevalence and correlates of proteinuria in Kampala, Uganda: a cross-sectional pilot study

Joseph Lunyera1,2, John W Stanifer3, Prossie Ingabire4

  • 1Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC, USA. josephlunyera@gmail.com.

BMC Research Notes
|February 17, 2016
PubMed

Insights

A pilot study in Uganda found high rates of proteinuria, hypertension, and impaired fasting glucose among urban adults. This highlights the urgent need for more chronic kidney disease (CKD) research and awareness in sub-Saharan Africa.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence is rising in sub-Saharan Africa, yet awareness and access to care remain limited.
  • Few community-based CKD screenings have been conducted in Uganda, hindering early detection and management.
  • The Uganda Kidney Foundation organized a World Kidney Day screening event to address these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a pilot community-based screening for CKD risk factors in urban Uganda.
  • To assess the prevalence of proteinuria, hypertension, impaired fasting glucose, and obesity.
  • To raise awareness and facilitate further epidemiological studies on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Uganda.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in Kampala, Uganda, in March 2013.
  • Participants were recruited via mass media (radio, TV, newspapers) and public notices.
  • Screening included tests for proteinuria, hypertension, fasting glucose, and obesity.

Main Results:

  • 141 adult urban residents were enrolled; 64% were young adults (18-39 years).
  • High prevalence rates were observed: proteinuria (13%), hypertension (38%), and impaired fasting glucose (13%).
  • Proteinuria was notably higher in young adults and individuals with a history of alcohol intake.

Conclusions:

  • The study identified a significant prevalence of proteinuria among urban Ugandans, indicating a potential public health concern.
  • These findings underscore the critical need for increased CKD awareness and recognition in the region.
  • The results support the feasibility of conducting larger epidemiological studies on NCDs in Uganda.
Abstract

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