Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease in Lafia, North Central Nigeria

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing global public health problem associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and health-care costs. The burden of CKD is disproportionately higher in low- and middleincome countries, where access to early detection and renal care is often limited. In Nigeria, population-based data on CKD prevalence remain scarce, particularly in North Central regions such as Lafia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CKD and describe selected demographic and health-care access characteristics among adults in Lafia, Nigeria.Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 190 participants aged 18 years and above. Serum creatinine was measured using Jaffe’s method, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the 2021 Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. CKD was defined as an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m².Results: The overall prevalence of CKD in the study population was 13.7%. Participants with CKD had a mean age of 39.4+3.1 years. The prevalence of CKD was higher in females compared with males. Only 61.6% of participants reported having access to a health-care facility.Conclusions: This study demonstrates a relatively high prevalence of CKD (13.7%) among adults in Lafia, North Central Nigeria, with a notable burden observed in younger individuals. Limited access to health-care services may further exacerbate underdiagnosis and late presentation. These findings highlight the urgent need for community-based screening programs and improved access to healthcare services.