Summary of "Conferencia Epidemiología de la enfermedad renal crónica...."

Summary of the Conference on Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology

Key Scientific Concepts and Discoveries:

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Defined as kidney damage lasting over three months, characterized by structural or functional abnormalities and decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
Stages of CKD: The disease progresses through five stages, with stage five indicating severe kidney failure requiring renal replacement therapy (dialysis or transplant).
Epidemiological Trends: CKD has seen a significant increase in prevalence in Mexico (122.3% from 1990 to 2017), surpassing other chronic diseases like ischemic heart disease.
Risk Factors: Major contributors to CKD include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and socioeconomic factors. The prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in Mexico is notably high (10.3% and 18.4%, respectively).
Health Inequalities: There are significant disparities in CKD mortality rates across different states in Mexico, influenced by access to healthcare and socioeconomic status.

Methodology:

Research Design: The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative in-depth interviews.
Sample Population: Included 199 individuals for quantitative analysis and 42 for qualitative interviews, focusing on those with advanced CKD.
Data Collection: Collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, health perceptions, treatment histories, and barriers to care.

Findings:

Barriers to Treatment: Identified barriers include economic constraints, lack of transportation, inadequate health literacy, and accessibility issues with healthcare facilities.
Delayed Diagnosis: Patients often experience significant delays in receiving a diagnosis, leading to advanced disease stages by the time treatment is initiated.
Care Trajectories: Patients' interactions with the healthcare system are influenced by various factors, including socioeconomic status and the political context.

Recommendations:

Increase public awareness of CKD and its risk factors, especially among populations with high diabetes and hypertension rates.
Enhance preventive and curative health programs with a comprehensive approach.
Improve communication and relationships between healthcare providers and patients.
Decentralize renal replacement services to increase accessibility.

Dr. Marcela Agudelo Botero, researcher at the Center for Research in Population and Health Policies (CIPs) at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
Teacher Verónica Montiel, professor at the National Preparatory School, campus number 80.