Ebony Boulware | Duke University (original) (raw)

Papers by Ebony Boulware

Research paper thumbnail of Population-Based Screening for CKD

American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Public attitudes toward incentives for organ donation: a national study of different racial/ethnic and income groups

Attitudes toward monetary and nonmonetary incentives for living (LD) and deceased donation (DD) a... more Attitudes toward monetary and nonmonetary incentives for living (LD) and deceased donation (DD) among the U.S. general public and different racial/ethnic and income groups have not been systematically studied. We studied attitudes via a telephone questionnaire administered to persons aged 18–75 in the continental United States. Among 845 participants (85% of randomized households), less than one-fifth participants were in favor of incentives for DD (range 7–17%). Most persons were in favor of reimbursement of medical costs (91%), paid leave (84%) and priority on the waiting list (59%) for LD. African Americans and Hispanics were more likely than Whites to be in favor of some incentives for DD. African Americans were more likely than Whites to be in favor of monetary incentives for LD. Whites with incomes less than $20 000 were more likely than Whites with greater incomes to be in favor of reimbursement for deceased donors' funeral expenses or medical expenses. The U.S. public is not generally supportive of incentives for DD, but is supportive of limited incentives for LD. Racial/ethnic minorities are more supportive than Whites of some incentives. Persons with low income may be more accepting of certain monetary incentives.

Research paper thumbnail of Identification and Referral of Patients With Progressive CKD: A National Study

American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 2006

Background: It is unclear whether primary care physicians (PCPs) and nephrologists differ in thei... more Background: It is unclear whether primary care physicians (PCPs) and nephrologists differ in their recognition of progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD), agree on diagnostic and referral strategies, and identify similar barriers to caring for patients. Methods: We conducted a national study of PCPs and nephrologists in the United States through a questionnaire describing a PCP caring for a patient with progressing CKD and questions to assess recognition of kidney dysfunction and approaches to diagnostic evaluation and referral. We identified participant and patient characteristics independently associated with CKD recognition and referral. Results: We randomly identified a national sample of 304 physicians (126 nephrologists [39% response rate], 89 family physicians [28% response rate], and 89 general internists [28% response rate]). PCPs recognized CKD less (adjusted percentage, 59%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 47 to 69, family physicians; adjusted percentage, 78%; 95% CI, 67 to 86, general internists; adjusted percentage, 97%; 95% CI, 93 to 99, nephrologists; P < 0.01), differed from nephrologists in their recommendations for diagnostic testing, and recommended referral less (adjusted percentage, 76%; 95% CI, 65 to 84, family physicians; adjusted percentage, 81%; 95% CI, 70 to 89, general internists; adjusted percentage, 99%; 95% CI, 95 to 100, nephrologists; P < 0.01). PCPs differed from nephrologists in their expected intensity of specialists' involvement in care (16%, family physicians; 20%, general internists; 6%, nephrologists recommending nephrologist input monthly to every 6 months; P ‫؍‬ 0.01). Lack of awareness of clinical practice guidelines and lack of clinical and administrative resources were identified as important barriers to care. Conclusion: PCPs recognize and recommend specialist care for progressive CKD less than nephrologists and differ in their clinical evaluations and expectations for referral. Improved dissemination of existing guidelines and targeted education in conjunction with efforts to build consensus among PCPs and nephrologists regarding their roles in the care of patients with CKD, including the collaborative development of clinical practice guidelines, could enhance patient care. Am J Kidney Dis 48:192-204.

Research paper thumbnail of Age and Comorbidities Are Effect Modifiers of Gender Disparities in Renal Transplantation

Women have less access to kidney transplantation than men, but the contributions of age and comor... more Women have less access to kidney transplantation than men, but the contributions of age and comorbidity to this disparity are largely unknown. We conducted a national cohort study of 563,197 patients with first-onset ESRD between 2000 and 2005. We used multivariate generalized linear models to evaluate both access to transplantation (ATT), defined as either registration for the deceased-donor waiting list or receiving a live-donor transplant, and survival benefit from transplantation, defined as the relative rate of survival after transplantation compared with the rate of survival on dialysis. We compared relative risks (RRs) between women and men, stratified by age categories and the presence of common comorbidities. Overall, women had 11% less ATT than men. When the model was stratified by age, 18to 45-yr-old women had equivalent ATT to men (RR 1.01), but with increasing age, ATT for women declined dramatically, reaching a RR of 0.41 for those who were older than 75 yr, despite equivalent survival benefits from transplantation between men and women in all age subgroups. Furthermore, ATT for women with comorbidities was lower than that for men with the same comorbidities, again despite similar survival benefits from transplantation. This study suggests that there is no disparity in ATT for women in general but rather a marked disparity in ATT for older women and women with comorbidities. These disparities exist despite similar survival benefits from transplantation for men and women regardless of age or comorbidities. Figure 4. (A) ATT after ESRD onset, men and women older than 65 yr. (B) Transplantation rate once listed, men and women older than 65. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY www.jasn.org J Am Soc Nephrol

Research paper thumbnail of Quality of Patient-Physician Discussions About CKD in Primary Care: A Cross-sectional Study

American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of The General Public's Concerns about Clinical Risk in Live Kidney Donation

American Journal of Transplantation, 2002

Difficulty in attracting live kidney donors may be related to fears regarding both the surgical p... more Difficulty in attracting live kidney donors may be related to fears regarding both the surgical procedure for kidney harvesting and future failure of the remaining kidney. We conducted a cross-sectional study of households in Maryland to identify public disincentives to living related kidney donation. In multivariate analyses, we assessed the independent effects of several factors on willingness to donate a kidney to a sibling. We also assessed thresholds for factors above which persons would not donate a kidney. Of 385 participants, 66% were extremely willing to donate to a sibling. After adjustment, those who considered the length of a hospital stay, out-of-pocket expenses, size and appearance of a scar, the time it takes to get to the transplant center, and the donor risk of developing kidney failure very important had 50-60% less odds of being extremely willing to donate. Median acceptable levels for risk of complications, hospital stay, compensated and uncompensated time from work, time requiring pain medications, and out-of-pocket expenses were greater than levels from clinical evidence regarding both laparoscopic and open nephrectomy. Unrealistic concerns among the general public regarding live donation may serve as potential disincentives to donation. Efforts to educate the public regarding live donation might help assuage fears and attract those who may not otherwise donate.

Research paper thumbnail of Preferences, Knowledge, Communication and Patient-Physician Discussion of Living Kidney Transplantation in African American Families

American Journal of Transplantation, 2005

African Americans (AA) is affected by preferences, knowledge and family discussions regarding LT.... more African Americans (AA) is affected by preferences, knowledge and family discussions regarding LT. We recruited 182 AA dialysis patients and their families and assessed the relation of preferences, knowledge and family discussions regarding LT to the occurrence of patient-physician discussion using multivariable logistic regression. Most patients (76%) desired a transplant, and most patients (93%), spouses (91%) and children (88%) had knowledge of LT. Nearly half of the families discussed transplantation. Only 68% of patients and less than half of their spouses (41%) and children (31%) had discussed transplantation with physicians. Patient-physician discussion was more common among patients: whose spouses acknowledged their interest in transplantation (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95% CI):3.5 (1.61-7.8)); who discussed transplantation with spouses (AOR(95% CI):5.25 (2.22-12.41)); whose spouses agreed that they discussed transplantation with patients (AOR ) and whose children discussed transplantation with patients' physicians (AOR ). Universal patient-physician discussion of LT does not occur despite patient preferences. Rates of family-physician discussions are low, and rates of family discussions vary. Early familyphysician discussion of LT, use of allied health professionals to promote family discussion of LT and the institution of culturally appropriate programs to en-hance discussion of LT in AA families could improve rates of discussion and enhance patients' access to LT.

Research paper thumbnail of Patient Awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease: Trends and Predictors

Archives of Internal Medicine, 2008

The impact of recent guidelines for early detection and prevention of chronic kidney disease (CKD... more The impact of recent guidelines for early detection and prevention of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on patient awareness of disease and factors that might be associated with awareness have not been well described. Awareness rates were assessed in 2992 adults (age, &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or =20 years) with CKD stages 1 to 4 from a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004). Awareness of CKD was defined by an answer of yes to &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;Have you ever been told you have weak or failing kidneys?&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; Potential predictors of awareness included demographics, access to care, and clinical and lifestyle factors, which were assessed by standardized interviewer-administered questionnaires and physical examinations. We examined independent associations of patient characteristics with awareness in those with CKD stage 3 (n = 1314) over 6 years using multivariable logistic regression. Awareness improved over time in those with CKD stage 3 only (4.7% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 2.6%-8.5%], 8.9% [95% CI, 7.1%-11.2%], and 9.2% [95% CI, 6.1%-13.8%] for 1999-2000, 2001-2002, and 2003-2004, respectively; P = .04, adjusted for age, sex, and race). Having proteinuria (odds ratio, 3.04 [95% CI, 1.62-5.70]), diabetes (OR, 2.19 [95% CI, 1.03-4.64]), and hypertension (OR, 2.92 [95% CI, 1.57-5.42]) and being male (OR, 2.06 [95% CI, 1.15-3.69]) were all statistically significantly associated with greater awareness among persons with CKD stage 3 after adjustment. Chronic kidney disease awareness increased almost 2-fold for those with CKD stage 3 over recent years but remains low. Persons with risk factors for CKD (proteinuria, diabetes, hypertension, and male sex) were more likely to be aware of their stage 3 disease. Renewed and innovative efforts should be made to increase CKD awareness among patients and health care providers.

Research paper thumbnail of Perceived Susceptibility to Chronic Kidney Disease among High-risk Patients Seen in Primary Care Practices

Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2009

BACKGROUND Patients’ views of their risk for the development or progression of chronic kidney dis... more BACKGROUND Patients’ views of their risk for the development or progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are poorly characterized. OBJECTIVE To assess perceived risk and concern regarding CKD development or progression among high-risk patients seen in primary care, identify predictors of perceptions, and correlate perceptions with adherence to high blood pressure management. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS Cross-sectional study of 195 patients enrolled in a randomized controlled trial on hypertension management in 40 Maryland primary care practices. MEASUREMENTS We assessed independent predictors (sociodemographics, health literacy, clinical presence of CKD, co-morbid conditions, and health behaviors) of perceived susceptibility (assessed via questionnaire) and adherence (assessed via Hill-Bone blood pressure adherence scale) in multivariable analyses. MAIN RESULTS In this hypertensive majority African American (63%) population, many participants had uncontrolled blood pressure (44%) or diabetes (42%). Few (20%) felt “very likely” to develop CKD and one third (33%) were “very concerned” about developing CKD. Participants who were female and had low health literacy had lower perceived susceptibility to CKD compared to males and those with higher health literacy. Race and diabetes were also associated with perceived susceptibility. Greater perceived susceptibility was associated with poorer blood pressure management adherence scores. CONCLUSIONS Many high-risk patients have low perceived susceptibility to CKD. Poor blood pressure therapy adherence scores among those with greatest perceived susceptibility suggest fatalistic attitudes about CKD. If our findings are confirmed in larger studies, interventions targeting patient perceptions of CKD risk and other attitudes associated with these perceptions could impact adherence to therapies and health outcomes.

Research paper thumbnail of Patient Awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease Trends and Predictors

The impact of recent guidelines for early detection and prevention of chronic kidney disease (CKD... more The impact of recent guidelines for early detection and prevention of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on patient awareness of disease and factors that might be associated with awareness have not been well described. Awareness rates were assessed in 2992 adults (age, &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or =20 years) with CKD stages 1 to 4 from a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004). Awareness of CKD was defined by an answer of yes to &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;Have you ever been told you have weak or failing kidneys?&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; Potential predictors of awareness included demographics, access to care, and clinical and lifestyle factors, which were assessed by standardized interviewer-administered questionnaires and physical examinations. We examined independent associations of patient characteristics with awareness in those with CKD stage 3 (n = 1314) over 6 years using multivariable logistic regression. Awareness improved over time in those with CKD stage 3 only (4.7% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 2.6%-8.5%], 8.9% [95% CI, 7.1%-11.2%], and 9.2% [95% CI, 6.1%-13.8%] for 1999-2000, 2001-2002, and 2003-2004, respectively; P = .04, adjusted for age, sex, and race). Having proteinuria (odds ratio, 3.04 [95% CI, 1.62-5.70]), diabetes (OR, 2.19 [95% CI, 1.03-4.64]), and hypertension (OR, 2.92 [95% CI, 1.57-5.42]) and being male (OR, 2.06 [95% CI, 1.15-3.69]) were all statistically significantly associated with greater awareness among persons with CKD stage 3 after adjustment. Chronic kidney disease awareness increased almost 2-fold for those with CKD stage 3 over recent years but remains low. Persons with risk factors for CKD (proteinuria, diabetes, hypertension, and male sex) were more likely to be aware of their stage 3 disease. Renewed and innovative efforts should be made to increase CKD awareness among patients and health care providers.

Research paper thumbnail of Population-Based Screening for CKD

American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of Public attitudes toward incentives for organ donation: a national study of different racial/ethnic and income groups

Attitudes toward monetary and nonmonetary incentives for living (LD) and deceased donation (DD) a... more Attitudes toward monetary and nonmonetary incentives for living (LD) and deceased donation (DD) among the U.S. general public and different racial/ethnic and income groups have not been systematically studied. We studied attitudes via a telephone questionnaire administered to persons aged 18–75 in the continental United States. Among 845 participants (85% of randomized households), less than one-fifth participants were in favor of incentives for DD (range 7–17%). Most persons were in favor of reimbursement of medical costs (91%), paid leave (84%) and priority on the waiting list (59%) for LD. African Americans and Hispanics were more likely than Whites to be in favor of some incentives for DD. African Americans were more likely than Whites to be in favor of monetary incentives for LD. Whites with incomes less than $20 000 were more likely than Whites with greater incomes to be in favor of reimbursement for deceased donors' funeral expenses or medical expenses. The U.S. public is not generally supportive of incentives for DD, but is supportive of limited incentives for LD. Racial/ethnic minorities are more supportive than Whites of some incentives. Persons with low income may be more accepting of certain monetary incentives.

Research paper thumbnail of Identification and Referral of Patients With Progressive CKD: A National Study

American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 2006

Background: It is unclear whether primary care physicians (PCPs) and nephrologists differ in thei... more Background: It is unclear whether primary care physicians (PCPs) and nephrologists differ in their recognition of progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD), agree on diagnostic and referral strategies, and identify similar barriers to caring for patients. Methods: We conducted a national study of PCPs and nephrologists in the United States through a questionnaire describing a PCP caring for a patient with progressing CKD and questions to assess recognition of kidney dysfunction and approaches to diagnostic evaluation and referral. We identified participant and patient characteristics independently associated with CKD recognition and referral. Results: We randomly identified a national sample of 304 physicians (126 nephrologists [39% response rate], 89 family physicians [28% response rate], and 89 general internists [28% response rate]). PCPs recognized CKD less (adjusted percentage, 59%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 47 to 69, family physicians; adjusted percentage, 78%; 95% CI, 67 to 86, general internists; adjusted percentage, 97%; 95% CI, 93 to 99, nephrologists; P < 0.01), differed from nephrologists in their recommendations for diagnostic testing, and recommended referral less (adjusted percentage, 76%; 95% CI, 65 to 84, family physicians; adjusted percentage, 81%; 95% CI, 70 to 89, general internists; adjusted percentage, 99%; 95% CI, 95 to 100, nephrologists; P < 0.01). PCPs differed from nephrologists in their expected intensity of specialists' involvement in care (16%, family physicians; 20%, general internists; 6%, nephrologists recommending nephrologist input monthly to every 6 months; P ‫؍‬ 0.01). Lack of awareness of clinical practice guidelines and lack of clinical and administrative resources were identified as important barriers to care. Conclusion: PCPs recognize and recommend specialist care for progressive CKD less than nephrologists and differ in their clinical evaluations and expectations for referral. Improved dissemination of existing guidelines and targeted education in conjunction with efforts to build consensus among PCPs and nephrologists regarding their roles in the care of patients with CKD, including the collaborative development of clinical practice guidelines, could enhance patient care. Am J Kidney Dis 48:192-204.

Research paper thumbnail of Age and Comorbidities Are Effect Modifiers of Gender Disparities in Renal Transplantation

Women have less access to kidney transplantation than men, but the contributions of age and comor... more Women have less access to kidney transplantation than men, but the contributions of age and comorbidity to this disparity are largely unknown. We conducted a national cohort study of 563,197 patients with first-onset ESRD between 2000 and 2005. We used multivariate generalized linear models to evaluate both access to transplantation (ATT), defined as either registration for the deceased-donor waiting list or receiving a live-donor transplant, and survival benefit from transplantation, defined as the relative rate of survival after transplantation compared with the rate of survival on dialysis. We compared relative risks (RRs) between women and men, stratified by age categories and the presence of common comorbidities. Overall, women had 11% less ATT than men. When the model was stratified by age, 18to 45-yr-old women had equivalent ATT to men (RR 1.01), but with increasing age, ATT for women declined dramatically, reaching a RR of 0.41 for those who were older than 75 yr, despite equivalent survival benefits from transplantation between men and women in all age subgroups. Furthermore, ATT for women with comorbidities was lower than that for men with the same comorbidities, again despite similar survival benefits from transplantation. This study suggests that there is no disparity in ATT for women in general but rather a marked disparity in ATT for older women and women with comorbidities. These disparities exist despite similar survival benefits from transplantation for men and women regardless of age or comorbidities. Figure 4. (A) ATT after ESRD onset, men and women older than 65 yr. (B) Transplantation rate once listed, men and women older than 65. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY www.jasn.org J Am Soc Nephrol

Research paper thumbnail of Quality of Patient-Physician Discussions About CKD in Primary Care: A Cross-sectional Study

American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of The General Public's Concerns about Clinical Risk in Live Kidney Donation

American Journal of Transplantation, 2002

Difficulty in attracting live kidney donors may be related to fears regarding both the surgical p... more Difficulty in attracting live kidney donors may be related to fears regarding both the surgical procedure for kidney harvesting and future failure of the remaining kidney. We conducted a cross-sectional study of households in Maryland to identify public disincentives to living related kidney donation. In multivariate analyses, we assessed the independent effects of several factors on willingness to donate a kidney to a sibling. We also assessed thresholds for factors above which persons would not donate a kidney. Of 385 participants, 66% were extremely willing to donate to a sibling. After adjustment, those who considered the length of a hospital stay, out-of-pocket expenses, size and appearance of a scar, the time it takes to get to the transplant center, and the donor risk of developing kidney failure very important had 50-60% less odds of being extremely willing to donate. Median acceptable levels for risk of complications, hospital stay, compensated and uncompensated time from work, time requiring pain medications, and out-of-pocket expenses were greater than levels from clinical evidence regarding both laparoscopic and open nephrectomy. Unrealistic concerns among the general public regarding live donation may serve as potential disincentives to donation. Efforts to educate the public regarding live donation might help assuage fears and attract those who may not otherwise donate.

Research paper thumbnail of Preferences, Knowledge, Communication and Patient-Physician Discussion of Living Kidney Transplantation in African American Families

American Journal of Transplantation, 2005

African Americans (AA) is affected by preferences, knowledge and family discussions regarding LT.... more African Americans (AA) is affected by preferences, knowledge and family discussions regarding LT. We recruited 182 AA dialysis patients and their families and assessed the relation of preferences, knowledge and family discussions regarding LT to the occurrence of patient-physician discussion using multivariable logistic regression. Most patients (76%) desired a transplant, and most patients (93%), spouses (91%) and children (88%) had knowledge of LT. Nearly half of the families discussed transplantation. Only 68% of patients and less than half of their spouses (41%) and children (31%) had discussed transplantation with physicians. Patient-physician discussion was more common among patients: whose spouses acknowledged their interest in transplantation (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95% CI):3.5 (1.61-7.8)); who discussed transplantation with spouses (AOR(95% CI):5.25 (2.22-12.41)); whose spouses agreed that they discussed transplantation with patients (AOR ) and whose children discussed transplantation with patients' physicians (AOR ). Universal patient-physician discussion of LT does not occur despite patient preferences. Rates of family-physician discussions are low, and rates of family discussions vary. Early familyphysician discussion of LT, use of allied health professionals to promote family discussion of LT and the institution of culturally appropriate programs to en-hance discussion of LT in AA families could improve rates of discussion and enhance patients' access to LT.

Research paper thumbnail of Patient Awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease: Trends and Predictors

Archives of Internal Medicine, 2008

The impact of recent guidelines for early detection and prevention of chronic kidney disease (CKD... more The impact of recent guidelines for early detection and prevention of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on patient awareness of disease and factors that might be associated with awareness have not been well described. Awareness rates were assessed in 2992 adults (age, &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or =20 years) with CKD stages 1 to 4 from a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004). Awareness of CKD was defined by an answer of yes to &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;Have you ever been told you have weak or failing kidneys?&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; Potential predictors of awareness included demographics, access to care, and clinical and lifestyle factors, which were assessed by standardized interviewer-administered questionnaires and physical examinations. We examined independent associations of patient characteristics with awareness in those with CKD stage 3 (n = 1314) over 6 years using multivariable logistic regression. Awareness improved over time in those with CKD stage 3 only (4.7% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 2.6%-8.5%], 8.9% [95% CI, 7.1%-11.2%], and 9.2% [95% CI, 6.1%-13.8%] for 1999-2000, 2001-2002, and 2003-2004, respectively; P = .04, adjusted for age, sex, and race). Having proteinuria (odds ratio, 3.04 [95% CI, 1.62-5.70]), diabetes (OR, 2.19 [95% CI, 1.03-4.64]), and hypertension (OR, 2.92 [95% CI, 1.57-5.42]) and being male (OR, 2.06 [95% CI, 1.15-3.69]) were all statistically significantly associated with greater awareness among persons with CKD stage 3 after adjustment. Chronic kidney disease awareness increased almost 2-fold for those with CKD stage 3 over recent years but remains low. Persons with risk factors for CKD (proteinuria, diabetes, hypertension, and male sex) were more likely to be aware of their stage 3 disease. Renewed and innovative efforts should be made to increase CKD awareness among patients and health care providers.

Research paper thumbnail of Perceived Susceptibility to Chronic Kidney Disease among High-risk Patients Seen in Primary Care Practices

Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2009

BACKGROUND Patients’ views of their risk for the development or progression of chronic kidney dis... more BACKGROUND Patients’ views of their risk for the development or progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are poorly characterized. OBJECTIVE To assess perceived risk and concern regarding CKD development or progression among high-risk patients seen in primary care, identify predictors of perceptions, and correlate perceptions with adherence to high blood pressure management. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS Cross-sectional study of 195 patients enrolled in a randomized controlled trial on hypertension management in 40 Maryland primary care practices. MEASUREMENTS We assessed independent predictors (sociodemographics, health literacy, clinical presence of CKD, co-morbid conditions, and health behaviors) of perceived susceptibility (assessed via questionnaire) and adherence (assessed via Hill-Bone blood pressure adherence scale) in multivariable analyses. MAIN RESULTS In this hypertensive majority African American (63%) population, many participants had uncontrolled blood pressure (44%) or diabetes (42%). Few (20%) felt “very likely” to develop CKD and one third (33%) were “very concerned” about developing CKD. Participants who were female and had low health literacy had lower perceived susceptibility to CKD compared to males and those with higher health literacy. Race and diabetes were also associated with perceived susceptibility. Greater perceived susceptibility was associated with poorer blood pressure management adherence scores. CONCLUSIONS Many high-risk patients have low perceived susceptibility to CKD. Poor blood pressure therapy adherence scores among those with greatest perceived susceptibility suggest fatalistic attitudes about CKD. If our findings are confirmed in larger studies, interventions targeting patient perceptions of CKD risk and other attitudes associated with these perceptions could impact adherence to therapies and health outcomes.

Research paper thumbnail of Patient Awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease Trends and Predictors

The impact of recent guidelines for early detection and prevention of chronic kidney disease (CKD... more The impact of recent guidelines for early detection and prevention of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on patient awareness of disease and factors that might be associated with awareness have not been well described. Awareness rates were assessed in 2992 adults (age, &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or =20 years) with CKD stages 1 to 4 from a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004). Awareness of CKD was defined by an answer of yes to &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;Have you ever been told you have weak or failing kidneys?&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; Potential predictors of awareness included demographics, access to care, and clinical and lifestyle factors, which were assessed by standardized interviewer-administered questionnaires and physical examinations. We examined independent associations of patient characteristics with awareness in those with CKD stage 3 (n = 1314) over 6 years using multivariable logistic regression. Awareness improved over time in those with CKD stage 3 only (4.7% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 2.6%-8.5%], 8.9% [95% CI, 7.1%-11.2%], and 9.2% [95% CI, 6.1%-13.8%] for 1999-2000, 2001-2002, and 2003-2004, respectively; P = .04, adjusted for age, sex, and race). Having proteinuria (odds ratio, 3.04 [95% CI, 1.62-5.70]), diabetes (OR, 2.19 [95% CI, 1.03-4.64]), and hypertension (OR, 2.92 [95% CI, 1.57-5.42]) and being male (OR, 2.06 [95% CI, 1.15-3.69]) were all statistically significantly associated with greater awareness among persons with CKD stage 3 after adjustment. Chronic kidney disease awareness increased almost 2-fold for those with CKD stage 3 over recent years but remains low. Persons with risk factors for CKD (proteinuria, diabetes, hypertension, and male sex) were more likely to be aware of their stage 3 disease. Renewed and innovative efforts should be made to increase CKD awareness among patients and health care providers.