Epidemiology of chronic kidney disease among Ghanaians in sub-Saharan Africa and their compatriots in Europe

The burden of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is present in 10% of the global population and increases to 50% among high-risk populations such as hypertensives, diabetics, obese, hyperuricemia, hyperlipidaemia and age above 60 years. Sub-Saharan African (SSA) populations with CKD have an increased morbidity and mortality rates, poor quality of life and low life expectancy. Similar observation has been made for sub-Saharan populations compared with their host European population. Information on CKD burden among SSA population and their compatriots living in Europe is lacking. Additionally, reasons for disparities in the burden of CKD among SSA populations living in rural and urban communities and their compatriots living in Europe are poorly understood and have not been adequately explored. This thesis, assessed the burden of CKD and its determinants among rural and urban Ghanaians their Ghanaian compatriots living in Europe.
The findings of this study show a steady rise in death attributable to renal diseases in Ghana. The study also showed higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among Ghanaians living in Europe compared with their compatriots living in SSA. CKD prevalence was higher among Ghanaians living in SSA compared with their compatriots living in Europe. Also, higher odds of albuminuria, eGFR and CKD were found in those with low educational and occupational levels. No association was found between CKD and psychosocial stressors. Interventions to reduce inequalities in SES and psychosocial stressors, access to quality health care, medication adherence, treatment and management should target those with low SES and higher psychosocial.