The Prevalence of Obesity among Subjects with Chronic Kidney Disease – Cross Sectional Study of Sri Lanka Population

Abstract

Background: The burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is growing rapidly around the world, particularly in Asia. Over the last two decades Sri Lanka has experienced an epidemic of CKD, especially in the “Mahaweli” river basin in North Central region of the island that was not attributable to conventional risk factors - hence widely termed “CKD-unknown”. Similarly, obesity in the region also noted to increase but no formal study explored the obesity burden or its association with increasing CKD in the region. Method: We will conduct an area wide cross sectional survey among all adult residents of the “Mahaweli” development project area C (Girandurukotte), in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. We will collect relevant demographic and socio-economic data, medical history, anthropometric measurements, blood and urine for haematological and biochemical analysis. We will calculate prevalence of chronic kidney disease (overall and by CKD stage) and obesity using total number of participants as the denominator. The association of obesity and CKD will be assessed with regression models and adjusted for potential confounding factors and stratified by potential effect modifiers where appropriate. Results: This study will provide accurate information on the prevalence of obesity and CKD in the region. Furthermore, this will explore the association between obesity and CKD, although causation may not be confirmed. Conclusion: Obesity and CKD are increasingly recognised as major public health problems in Sri Lanka. Our study will provide vital information enabling the government to plan a coordinated response to tackle both obesity and CKD in the region.