The prevelance of chronic kidney disease in South Africa comparison with Sub-Saharan Africa and globally.

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a significant global public health challenge as one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases and a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Amidst the pandemic of non-communicable diseases, CKD's gradual progression often eludes recognition, necessitating a robust understanding of its prevalence and patterns to guide interventions. There is no direct comparison of CKD prevalence between South Africa, Africa, and the global landscape in the available literature. This study sought to bridge this gap by systematically comparing CKD prevalence rates across these geographical regions while investigating the underlying reasons for observed differences. A comprehensive literature search compared CKD prevalence in South Africa with sub-Saharan, African, and global studies. The review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), with multiple search engines being used. The findings culminated in the publication of an original paper titled "The Prevalence of CKD in South Africa - Limitations of Comparative Studies with Sub-Saharan Africa, Africa, and Global Data" in the Biomedical Central Nephrology Journal on March 21, 2023. The research revealed statistically significant differences in CKD prevalence rates among the studied regions. However, these differences stemmed predominantly from substantial variations in sample sizes rather than actual disparities in prevalence rates. The systematic review illuminated a spectrum of factors contributing to this variability, including divergent definitions of CKD, lack of assessment for chronicity, variations in serum creatinine calculations, disparities in formulas used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), demographic distinctions, and differences in risk factors associated with CKD development. This study underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of CKD prevalence and its determinants to inform targeted interventions in addressing this global health challenge.