Investigation of the coexistence of CKD and non-communicable chronic diseases in a PBM company in South Africa

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health problem, with increasing global prevalence. Several factors could influence the prognosis of CKD, including comorbid chronic conditions. This study investigated the coexistence of CKD and non-communicable chronic diseases in the private health sector of South Africa.

Methods: Retrospective medicine claims data from a pharmaceutical benefit management (PBM) company was used to perform this descriptive, quantitative study. The study population consisted of all patients identified with an ICD-10 code for CKD (N18) during the study period of January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2013.

Results: CKD patients represented 0.10% to 0.14% of the total patients on the database from 2009 to 2013. The mean age of the CKD patients over the study period varied between 58 and 61 years. Prevalence was higher in males (male-to-female ratio 1:0.8) and in patients aged 35–64 years (p = 0.014; Cramer’s V = 0.039). The occurrence of chronic conditions in the CKD population was prevalent, with hypertension occurring in more than half the CKD patients.

Conclusion: Several chronic conditions, especially those regarding atherosclerotic risk factors, frequently co-occurred with CKD. Lifestyle management and frequent screening tests of these patients are of the utmost importance to improve the outcome of CKD.

Keywords:

• chronic kidney disease
• comorbid chronic conditions
• risk factors
• South Africa

Acknowledgements

Thanks are offered to Ms Anne-Marie Bekker, who contributed with administrative support regarding the database. The authors also acknowledge the North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) for their financial support.