Abstract:
Background
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a global public health burden. Most people miss the early
subtle signs that can develop at any age. CKD has severe complications, including End-stage
Renal Disease.
Objective
To assess the knowledge level of CKD risk factors and preventive practices among university
students in Rwanda.
Methods
A cross-sectional study design was used from April to May 2017. A stratified random sampling
technique was used to recruit 260 university students. A 36-item questionnaire was self administered. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results
The mean age was 29 years and over half were female (53.4%). A great number (44%) had a low
knowledge level of CKD and its risk factors, a third (34%) had moderate, and only (22%) had
a high knowledge level of CKD risk factors. The majority (50.4%) had low level of preventive
practices, nearly half (45%) had moderate and only (4.6%) had high level of preventive practice.
Conclusion
CKD knowledge and preventive practices in this study population were low. Knowledge
gained and desire for healthy preventive practices may have been a benefit of the study. CKD
educational programs should be further developed to prevent this significant problem affecting
the Rwandese community.
