Perceptions of chronic kidney disease among at-risk adults in rural Guatemala

• Published in: Global public health Vol. 16; no. 4; pp. 623 - 638
• Main Authors: Nandi, Meghna, Kurschner, Sophie, Wilcox, Katharine, Flood, David, Mendoza Montano, Carlos, Barnoya, Joaquin, Rohloff, Peter, Chary, Anita
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 03.04.2021; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Adult; Adults; At risk populations; Chronic kidney disease; Diabetes; Diabetes Mellitus; Disease; Glomerular Filtration Rate; Guatemala; Guatemala - epidemiology; Health care; Health education; Health promotion; Humans; Hypertension; Infrastructure; Interviews; Kidney diseases; Kidneys; Medical screening; non-communicable diseases; Perception; Perceptions; Prevention; Primary care; Public health; Qualitative research; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic - epidemiology; Risk analysis; Risk factors; Risk perception; Guatemala; Guatemala; non-communicable diseases; Chronic kidney disease; qualitative research; diabetes
• ISSN: 1744-1692; 1744-1706
• DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1839529

This qualitative study explores perceptions of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among adults with abnormal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in Guatemala, where the burden of CKD is rising. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 39 individuals screened for CKD and found to have abnormal eGFR (defined as <90 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , per Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes [KDIGO] guidelines). Interviews occurred in participants' homes in Spanish or Kaqchikel Mayan. Interview notes were coded for dominant themes through an inductive approach. Interviewees had limited awareness of diabetes and hypertension as CKD risk factors, but appreciated the progressive nature of the disease. While most reported willingness to pursue renal replacement therapies, if necessary, they anticipated economic and geographic barriers. Public health interventions should focus on the association between diabetes, hypertension, and CKD. Improvement of primary care and screening infrastructure is imperative in CKD prevention in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).