Introduction
Chronic diseases are debilitating ailments with long-term effects on people’s health and public health systems. Due to their persistent nature, these illnesses frequently require long-term medical care and management and pose a risk to patients’ quality of life. Understanding and treating chronic diseases are crucial for healthcare professionals, politicians, and society at large as they continue to spread throughout the world.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) stands out as a key issue of interest among the many chronic disorders. It is the subject of this discussion because of its widespread occurrence, high healthcare expenses, and significant effects on patient well-being. Additionally, CKD is consistent with the Healthy People 2030 agenda, making it an important and topical topic to research. In this context, the rationale for examining CKD is not only academically pertinent but also underscores its significance in public health.
Chronic Kidney Disease: A Silent Epidemic
In a debilitating and degenerative disorder known as CKD, kidney function gradually declines over time. Due to its high frequency, severe morbidity, and related financial burden, it is a significant public health concern. Because CKD frequently does not manifest symptoms until late stages, early detection, and intervention are crucial in healthcare policy and clinical practice. The prevalence of CKD is becoming epidemic in the US. Data from the 2021 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) reveal that a significant number of additional individuals in the United States face the potential of developing CKD. This condition impacts approximately 15% of Americans (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).
A leading cause of kidney failure, CKD also necessitates expensive and life-altering treatments such as dialysis or kidney transplantation. In addition to having an impact on the individual, this puts stress on the healthcare system and raises the overall cost of healthcare. Numerous risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, have an impact on the development of CKD. Particularly, it is well known that diabetes and hypertension play a significant role in the development of CKD (Kalantar-Zadeh et al., 2021). The need for comprehensive treatment techniques and early interventions to stop or delay the progression of CKD is highlighted by the intricate interaction of various risk factors and genetic predispositions.
Questionnaire for Chronic Kidney Disease Assessment
Demographic Information
- Name (optional):
- Age:
- Gender:
- Ethnicity:
- Marital Status:
- Occupation:
Medical History
- Have you received a CKD diagnosis? (Yes/No)
If so, kindly indicate the stage (e.g., Stage 1, Stage 2, etc.) it is:
- Have you ever had any other chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease? (Yes/No)
If so, kindly list them here:
- Have you ever undergone surgery or had kidney-related procedures? (Yes/No)
If so, be specific:
- Does your family have any recognized genetic predispositions to renal disease? (Yes/No)
If so, be specific about the relationship (parent, sibling, etc.):
Lifestyle Factors
- Are you a smoker? (Yes/No)
- Do you usually drink alcohol? (Yes/No)
- Do you exercise regularly? (Yes/No)
Describe your degree of physical exercise if you answered “yes.”
Describe your regular diet, including if it’s heavy in salt, low in potassium, or balanced:
- Are there any work risks or environmental exposures that could aggravate kidney disease? (Yes/No)
If yes, please specify:
Symptoms and Complications
- Are you experiencing any symptoms related to CKD, such as fatigue, swelling, or changes in urine output? (Yes/No)
If yes, please describe:
- Have you experienced any complications related to CKD, such as hypertension, anemia, or bone disease? (Yes/No)
If yes, please describe:
Morbidity and Comorbidity
In the context of CKD, comorbidity and morbidity both have a substantial impact on the general health of those who are affected. CKD is commonly accompanied by a number of comorbid illnesses and consequences. A major comorbidity of CKD is hypertension (high blood pressure), and there is a reciprocal interaction between the two conditions in which hypertension can accelerate the progression of CKD and CKD can worsen hypertension (Navaneethan et al., 2021).
Another common comorbid illness in CKD that contributes to the onset and progression of renal disease is diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2. Furthermore, heart attacks and strokes are more likely to occur in CKD patients, as well as other cardiovascular diseases (Navaneethan et al., 2021). This increased risk is brought on in part by the fact that certain risk factors are common to both kidney disease and cardiovascular problems, such as hypertension and diabetes.
Anemia, a common consequence of CKD characterized by decreased red blood cell count and oxygen-carrying ability, can cause weakness, weariness, and a lower quality of life (Navaneethan et al., 2021). The general health and quality of life of CKD patients are significantly impacted by these comorbidities and consequences. They make managing an illness more difficult, necessitate many drugs and treatments, and raise the risk of hospitalization.
Impact on the Nation’s Health
The health of the country is significantly and, in many ways, impacted by CKD. First, CKD places a heavy financial strain on healthcare institutions and the economy. According to a study by Roehr and colleagues (2020) published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, the United States spent over $84 billion on CKD-related healthcare costs in 2018. In addition to direct medical costs, these charges often include indirect costs from missed productivity and incapacity. Additionally, CKD significantly increases the need for medical resources. As a result, patients often need specialized care, such as dialysis and kidney transplantation, which increases the demand for healthcare services, resources, and workers.
Healthy People 2030 Goals
Setting and attaining ambitious health-related goals is essential, and the Healthy People 2030 effort in the United States emphasizes this. “Reduce the burden of chronic kidney disease and related complications” is one of its main objectives, according to Healthy People 2030 (2020, 1). This goal is fundamental because CKD is a widespread, expensive disorder that is linked to significant morbidity and mortality.
Healthy People 2030 seeks to lessen the significant financial and health burdens brought on by CKD by addressing the condition and its complications. By achieving these goals, the population of the country may experience improved health outcomes, lower healthcare expenditures, and greater general well-being. Therefore, concentrating on CKD is consistent with Healthy People 2030’s overall aim to advance health equity and enhance all Americans’ living standards.
Conclusion
In line with the Healthy People 2030 agenda, this publication has highlighted the importance of CKD early identification, prevention, and appropriate management. This report has highlighted the widespread impact of CKD, its comorbidities, and the broader implications for public health by summarizing essential topics. Healthcare professionals and policymakers must prioritize comprehensive CKD care plans, awareness campaigns, and fair access to healthcare services to achieve Healthy People 2030 objectives and lessen the societal cost of CKD. Stakeholders must work together to implement evidence-based strategies, advance research, and guarantee that CKD receives the attention it requires on the national healthcare agenda. The call to action is loud and clear: aggressive measures are necessary to improve CKD prevention and management, eventually enhancing population health and well-being.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021). Tracking & Preventing Kidney Disease in America. Web.
Healthy People 2030. (2020). Chronic Kidney Disease. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Web.
Kalantar-Zadeh, K., Jafar, T. H., Nitsch, D., Neuen, B. L., & Perkovic, V. (2021). Chronic kidney disease. The lancet, 398(10302), 786-802. Web.
Navaneethan, S. D., Zoungas, S., Caramori, M. L., Chan, J. C., Heerspink, H. J., Hurst, C., & Khunti, K. (2021). Diabetes management in chronic kidney disease: synopsis of the 2020 KDIGO clinical practice guideline. Annals of internal medicine, 174(3), 385-394. Web.