The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois KidneyMobile: a mobile resource for community based screenings of chronic kidney disease and its risk factors

BACKGROUND: Early detection and treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its risk factors improves outcomes; however, many high-risk individuals lack access to healthcare. The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (NKFI) developed the KidneyMobile (KM) to conduct community-based screenings, provide disease education, and facilitate follow-up appointments for diabetes, hypertension, and CKD. METHODS: Cross-sectional design. Adults > = 18 years of age participated in NKFI KM screenings across Illinois between 2005 and 2011. Sociodemographic and medical history were self-reported using structured interviews; laboratory data and blood pressure were assessed using standard procedures. RESULTS: Among 20,770 participants, mean age was 53.5 years, 68% were female, 49% were African-American or Hispanic, 21% primarily spoke Spanish, and at least 27% lacked health insurance. Seventy-eight percent of participants with elevated blood pressure (≥ 140/90 mmHg) were aware of having hypertension, 93% of participants with abnormal blood glucose (fasting glucose > 126 mg/dl or a random glucose of > 200 mg/dL) were aware of having diabetes, and 19% of participants with albuminuria (> 30 mg/gm) were aware of having CKD. In participants reporting hypertension, 47% had blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg, and in those reporting diabetes, 56% had blood glucose ≥ 130 mg/dl (fasting) or ≥ 180 mg/dl (random). Among 4937 participants with abnormal screening findings that participated in follow-up interviews, 69% reported having further medical evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: A high-risk disadvantaged population is being reached by the NKFI KidneyMobile and connected with healthcare services. A significant proportion of participants were newly informed of having abnormal results suggestive of diabetes, hypertension, and/or CKD or that their diabetes and hypertension were inadequately controlled.