High Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease Among People Living with Hypertension in Rural Sierra Leone: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Currently, there are no data on prevalence and associated risk factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among patients with hypertension in rural Sierra Leone. PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence and associated risk factors of CKD in rural Sierra Leone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of hypertension patients aged between 18 and 75 years attending a non-communicable disease clinic at Koidu Government Hospital, Kono District, Sierra Leone was conducted between February and December 2020. Using systematic random sampling, a structured questionnaire, which comprised of questions on social demographic characteristics and past and current clinical history, was administered followed by measurement of creatinine and urinary protein and glucose. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated using CKD-epidemiology formula without race as a factor. Baseline eGFR between 60–89 min/mL/1.73m(2) and <60 min/mL/1.73m(2) defined reduced eGFR and renal impairment, respectively. Estimated GFR less than 60 min/mL/1.73m(2) measured two times at least 3 months apart was used to define CKD. RESULTS: Ninety-six percent (n = 304) patients out of 317 patients were included in the study. Among all included patients, only 3.9% (n = 12) had eGFR of 90 min/mL/1.73m(2) and above. The prevalence of renal impairment and CKD was 52% (158/304, CI 46.2–57.7) and 29.9% (91/304, CI 24.8–34.5), respectively. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, currently taking herbal medications as treatment of hypertension (OR 4.11 (CI 1.14–14.80), p = 0.03) and being overweight and/or obese (OR 2.16 (CI 1.24–3.78), p < 0.001) was associated with CKD. Additionally, receiving some education was associated with a 48% (OR 0.52 (CI 0.29–0.91), p = 0.02) reduced likelihood of CKD. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of renal impairment and CKD is high among hypertensive patients in rural Sierra Leone. CKD was associated with current history of taking herbal medications and being overweight and/or obese. Additionally, CKD was associated with reduced likelihood in patients who received some education.