Is Chronic Kidney Disease a Critical Health Problem in Madeira Island?

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant global health issue, impacting over 10% of the world's population and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality.
• While CKD prevalence is documented globally, a gap exists between epidemiological surveys and real-world healthcare data, particularly in Portugal where recent studies indicate a 20.9% prevalence.
• Previous estimations for the Madeiran population suggest a CKD prevalence of approximately 20%, highlighting regional variations within Portugal.

Discussion:

• This study addresses the need for precise CKD prevalence data in Madeira, Portugal, by integrating strengths of prior research while mitigating limitations.
• The research aims to calculate the overall CKD prevalence in Madeira and stratify it by disease stage.
• Findings will be compared with existing literature to provide context and identify potential disparities in CKD burden.

Key Insights:

• The study will provide crucial epidemiological data on CKD prevalence and staging specifically for Madeira Island.
• Understanding regional CKD distribution is vital for targeted public health interventions and resource allocation.
• This research aims to bridge the gap between general epidemiological data and specific healthcare provider records.

Outlook:

• The findings are expected to contribute significantly to the characterization of CKD prevalence within Portugal.
• This study seeks to play a more active role in CKD prevention strategies and the efficient allocation of healthcare resources.
• By providing detailed regional data, the study supports evidence-based decision-making for managing the growing burden of CKD.