Awareness and Preventive Practices of Chronic Kidney Disease Among the Youth in DROBO, Ghana
Abstract
Isaac Debra Agyapong, Irene Korkoi Aboh and Christiana Asiedu
Background: Chronic kidney disease is a global health problem with serious adverse effects, including kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. Objective The study sought to assess the knowledge, awareness and preventive practices of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among the youth. Participant and Setting: The study was carried out among the youth in the Drobo Community in Ghana, Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey, along with a quantitative data collection approach, was conducted to assess the knowledge, awareness and preventive practices of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among the youth, with a population of about 12,753, from September 2020 to April 2021. Data was collected using a self-developed questionnaire with the use of a convenience sampling method. Result: Data was statistically analysed and summarised using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The general knowledge and awareness of CKD among research participants was poor (mean = 1.92), as the participants were either not sure or did not know the description of CKD. Most of the participants did not know that hypertension and diabetes were causes of CKD, with 97.8% disagreeing. However, 66.4% of participants accepted that they indulge in regular physical exercise as a preventive practice (mean, 2.18) for CKD and the majority did not indulge in regular kidney checkup (mean, 3.86) and regular diabetes screening (mean, 3.45) as a preventive measure for CKD. Conclusion: The overall knowledge and awareness of the participants about CKD is low. Instead, myths and misconceptions prevailed, including the belief that CKD could be cured with herbs and NSAIDs.