Public knowledge of chronic kidney disease evaluated using a validated questionnaire: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Public Health
• Health Education

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a significant health burden in Australia.
• Public awareness is a key factor influencing the uptake of CKD screening programs.
• Current data on public knowledge of CKD in Australia is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a questionnaire to assess public knowledge of CKD.
• To evaluate the level of CKD knowledge among the Australian public.
• To identify factors influencing CKD awareness.

Main Methods:

• A CKD knowledge questionnaire was developed and validated through expert review and piloting.
• Discriminant validation was conducted with pharmacy students and nephrologists.
• A cross-sectional survey of 943 Australians was performed using an online Omnibus survey with quota sampling.
• Standard multiple regression analysis identified predictors of CKD knowledge.

Main Results:

• The validated questionnaire demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88).
• Public CKD knowledge scores (median 12/24) were significantly lower than those of students (19/24) and nephrologists (23/24).
• Higher education, family history of kidney failure, personal history of diabetes, and relationship status predicted higher CKD knowledge scores.

Conclusions:

• Australian public knowledge of CKD is generally poor.
• There is a significant gap in CKD understanding between the general public, students, and healthcare professionals.
• Enhancing public awareness of CKD is essential for improving early detection and management strategies in Australia.