Chronic Kidney Disease Knowledge and Awareness among American Indians

CKD a leading contributor of both morbidity and mortality and the prevalence is increasing, with approximately 13% of the U.S. population currently affected. CKD is especially problematic among certain racial or ethnic minority groups. In its most serious form, AIANs have double the prevalence and incidence rate ESRD compared to non-Hispanic Whites. American Indians have a high prevalence of risk factors for CKD, including diabetes mellitus and albuminuria, both being independent risk factors for progression to ESRD, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. Metabolic syndrome has also been shown to be a risk factor for the development of CKD among American Indians. The majority of people with CKD are unaware of their disease. In a recent nationally representative study, less than 10% of individuals with CKD stage, or moderately decreased kidney function, reported ever being told that they had weak or failing kidneys by their health care provider. In another study, only 6% of persons with CKD stages 1 to 4 reported being told that they had weak or failing kidneys. In a study of African-Americans, where CKD was defined as moderately decreased kidney function, the presence of albuminuria, or dialysis therapy, the prevalence was 20%. Yet awareness of CKD was only 16% among persons who actually had CKD. This study will utilize a focus group approach to develop culturally appropriate digital story telling DVD’s and will then test the effectiveness of educational tools in increasing understanding of the disease.