Prevalence and associated factors of chronic kidney disease among Truká Indigenous adults in Cabrobó, Brazil: a population-based study

Background

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing worldwide, especially in developing countries, due to factors such as lifestyle changes and the rise of non-communicable diseases. Populations living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas are subject to a higher burden of CKD. However, the burden of CKD on Brazilian Indigenous people, especially those undergoing an advanced urbanisation process, has not yet been described.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 1715 Truká Indigenous adults from Cabrobó, Brazil. CKD was defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines classification as a urinary albumin/creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g and/or an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m². Univariate and multiple logistic regression models were used to evaluate factors associated with CKD. Odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to measure association.

Findings

Out of the 1654 participants analysed (61 excluded due to missing data), the prevalence of CKD was 10% (95% CI, 8.6%–11.5%), with a higher prevalence in women compared to men (12.4% versus 6.9%, p < 0.001). The mean age was 40.5 years, with 55.6% being women. In univariate analysis, female sex (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3–2.7), age ≥60 years (OR, 4.6; 95% CI, 3.2–6.6), cardiovascular disease (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1–4.1), and dyslipidemia (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1–2.4) were identified as associated factors with CKD. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified age ≥60 years, female sex, and dyslipidemia as independently associated factors with CKD.

Interpretation

The prevalence of CKD among Truká Indigenous adults analysed is high and affects a higher proportion of women. Our study found no association between hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and CKD risk, despite their high prevalence. These findings assist in developing early CKD detection strategies in Brazilian Indigenous communities, supporting disease treatment and prevention.

Funding

National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq)–Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation of Brazil, and the Maria Emília Foundation.