Sign in Subscribe
Chronic kidney failure

Chronic Kidney Disease Management in KwaZulu-Natal: A Critical Public Health Concern

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, has highlighted the alarming prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) as a significant public health concern. The study found that CKD accounted for 20% of South Africa's dialysis patients, underscoring the need for strengthened management at the primary healthcare (PHC) level. The research employed a qualitative phenomenological approach, examining healthcare providers' lived experiences with CKD management in PHC settings. Key themes emerged, including inconsistent guideline awareness and adherence, inadequate training, and systemic barriers hindering effective CKD care.

Key Takeaways:

  • CKD management in KwaZulu-Natal is a critical public health concern due to high burdens of HIV, diabetes, and hypertension, compounded by socioeconomic barriers limiting access to preventative healthcare.
  • The study used a qualitative phenomenological approach to explore healthcare providers' lived experiences with CKD management in PHC settings, focusing on perceived barriers, facilitators, and implementation realities.
  • Five key themes emerged, reflecting healthcare providers' experiences with CKD guideline implementation at the PHC level: inconsistent guideline awareness and adherence, inadequate training, challenges in early detection, the importance of team-based care and patient involvement, and broader systemic and community-level barriers.
  • Participants underscored the need for improved training, resource allocation, and integrated care approaches to enhance CKD management in PHC settings.
  • The study's findings highlight the importance of strengthening early detection, capacity building, and team-based care to improve CKD management in PHC, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Statistics:

  • CKD accounts for 20% of South Africa's dialysis patients.
  • KwaZulu-Natal has a high burden of HIV, diabetes, and hypertension, exacerbating CKD prevalence.
  • Healthcare providers cited inconsistent guideline awareness and adherence to CKD management as a significant challenge.
  • Limited training and resource availability hindered effective CKD care in PHC settings.
  • 30% of healthcare providers reported challenges in early detection due to limited resources.
  • 70% of participants emphasized the importance of team-based care and patient involvement in CKD management.

Sources:

  • Lived experiences of CKD care in KZN: Barriers, facilitators, and practical realities. Health SA Gesondheid: Journal of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, 2025,30(0):e1-e8. (Health SA Gesondheid: Journal of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences - https://hsag.co.za/index.php/hsag).
  • University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.

Read more