Common Risk Factors Associated With Chronic Kidney Disease in Sudan: A Pilot Study

Kidney failure is common in Sudan, usually preceded by chronic kidney disease (CKD). The purpose of this study was to identify the most common risk factors associated with CKD in Sudan.

This was a cross-sectional descriptive clinic-based study undertaken in El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state. Because of the ongoing armed war and the failure of the healthcare system in most places in the state, practically everyone in the state seeks medical care in El-Obeid. Selection of applicants is based on the individual's willingness to participate in the study.

Hypertension was detected in 8.2% of the subjects, among whom 14.3% exhibited a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of <60 mL/min/1.73 m². Cigarette smoking revealed findings analogous to hypertension. Among the 15.8% of diabetic individuals, 22.2% showed a GFR of <60 mL/min/1.73 m². Urinary tract infection was diagnosed in 11% of patients, with 21% exhibiting a GFR of <60 mL/min/1.73 m².

Risk factors for CKD, including diabetes, hypertension, tobacco use, urinary tract infections, and obesity, are common in western Sudan. These risks require proactive intervention from both the healthcare system and the community.