Prevalence and risk factors associated with chronic kidney disease in a Zhuang ethnic minority area in China

Aim Numerous studies have examined and reported a high prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population in various countries including China. However, the situation may be different in undeveloped rural minority regions in China because of China's economic diversity. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of CKD and to analyze its associated factors in a Zhuang ethnic minority area in Southwest China. Methods A cross-sectional survey of a rural minority area populated by people of Zhuang ethnicity in Southwest China using multistage, cluster random sampling methods was performed. The prevalence of indicators of kidney damage and CKD were calculated and risk factors associated with the presence of CKD were analyzed. Results In total, 7588 people participated in the study. After adjustment for age and gender, the prevalence of albuminuria, haematuria and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate were 2.7%, 3.7%, and 2.2%, respectively. After adjustment for age and gender, the prevalence of CKD was 8.3%, while recognition of the disease was 3.6%. Independent risk factors associated with CKD were age, gender, and hypertension. Risk factors independently associated with kidney damage were age, gender, hyperuricaemia, and hypertension. Conclusion Our data exhibited a lower prevalence and awareness of CKD in undeveloped rural minority regions, especially exhibited a low prevalence of albuminuria. This result attributed to the low prevalence of metabolic disorders in the local region. Risk factors associated with CKD in our study is similar to surveys in other regions of China.