The Burden and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease in Nigeria: The Role of the Physiologist in a Growing Public Health Challenge

Abstract

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is an escalating non-communicable disease marked by a gradual and irreversible decline in renal function. Globally, CKD contributes significantly to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditure, with a particularly heavy burden in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. Methods: This study employed a secondary research design, conducting an extensive literature review of peer-reviewed journals, global health databases, national surveys, and relevant clinical guidelines using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) search terms from Bibliographic databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. Sources were selected to capture current evidence on the pathophysiology, epidemiology, risk factors, complications, and management strategies of CKD, with emphasis on Nigerian data and health systems. Results: CKD affects over 10% of the global population and between 8-26% of Nigerians, disproportionately impacting the productive age group (18-60 years). Late presentation, poor awareness, and high out-of-pocket treatment costs exacerbate disease outcomes. Major risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, obesity, aging, and unhealthy lifestyle practices. Management strategies such as early screening, blood pressure control, proteinuria reduction, and lifestyle modification remain underutilized in Nigeria. Conclusion: CKD is a silent epidemic with severe clinical and socioeconomic consequences. There is an urgent need for coordinated public health interventions—including prevention, early detection, improved access to care, and policy support—to mitigate its impact in Nigeria. Strengthening physiologists' roles in multidisciplinary kidney health promotion could offer sustainable solutions.