Awareness and Understanding of Kidney Disease and Renal Replacement Therapy Among Citizens of the Little Poland Voivodeship

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents much more frequently than previously thought, affecting 8-12% of the population. This number could rise in the future, as the main causes of CKD include diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Early diagnosis of CKD is fundamental for the possibility of effective nephroprotection. Aim: The aim of this study was to rate the Little Poland Voivodeship citizens’ knowledge of kidney diseases and renal replacement therapy. Methodology: The results of 696 surveys were taken into consideration. The study group consisted of 340 females and 356 males. Results: 40% of respondents knew that diabetes can lead to CKD. The majority of respondents (69%) had heard about dialysis, but did not know exactly what it was. 64% of the study subjects had heard exclusively of hemodialysis, and only 5% had also heard about peritoneal dialysis. 31% had not heard anything about dialysis and did not know what it was. Citizens of Little Poland Voivodeship who were asked about symptoms characteristic of kidney disease identified primarily painful urination (28%) and lower back pain (16%). Furthermore, only 6% of the respondents recognized edema and hypervolemia as symptoms of kidney disease. Up to 64% of respondents had never been assessed in terms of kidney parameters. 36% were aware of ever being tested for kidney disease, but only 16% confirmed such tests within the last 2-3 years and 17% had the tests performed more than 4-6 years prior. Only 3% declared kidney test being done within the last year. Barely 58% had heard about creatinine and understood the purpose of this test, while nearly 40% were unable to explain what creatinine was. Conclusions: Awareness and understanding of kidney disease and renal replacement therapy among citizens of the Little Poland Voivodeship is insufficient. Number of words: 289