New Report Sheds Light on Kidney Health Disparities
The UK Kidney Association (UKKA) has recently published their Disparities Report, comprising four detailed sub-reports that explore the Sex, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic status, and Age of individuals with kidney failure in England and Wales. This new document not only offers comprehensive demographic details of the kidney patient population but also marks a significant step in understanding disparities in health outcomes for those living in the UK
This initiative builds upon the foundation laid by Kidney Research UK's 2018 report "Kidney health inequalities in the UK". The UK Renal Registry (UKRR) which forms part of the UKKA, has taken this advice and is systematically collecting and analysing demographic data on adults and children in England and Wales undergoing long-term treatment for kidney failure. The disparity report, a first of its kind from the UKRR and produced in close collaboration with the UKKA patient council, aims to raise awareness about the profound impact of a person's background on their kidney health.
The sub-reports, compiling data from 2014 to 2020, reveal significant insights. There is a notable increase in kidney failure treatment with advancing age, but a marked decline in treatment rates beyond the age of 80. This trend suggests a preference for conservative kidney management among older patients.
The report also highlights the higher incidence of kidney failure among Black and minority ethnic populations, often occurring at younger ages compared to White counterparts. This is linked to the disproportionate impact of conditions like diabetes, particularly prevalent in Asian and Black communities, as a leading cause of kidney failure.
The report finds a higher prevalence of kidney failure among males across all age groups. Further, it identifies a heightened risk among individuals living in more deprived areas, who are often faced with the challenge of having limited access to optimal treatments such as home therapies and transplantation.
It's important to note that this report primarily describes rather than analyses the UKRR data. To fully understand the precise factors leading to suboptimal outcomes and those that can be modified requires a more robust scientific approach. However, this descriptive work is crucial in revealing how demographic factors intersect to influence outcomes.
As part of its commitment to equitable healthcare access, the UKKA is dedicated to continuous reporting. This ongoing effort will help identify trends in care standards, informing where investments should be made to address inequalities. Regular updates and reports will be fundamental in guiding these efforts.
For a closer look at the findings, you can download the sub-reports on the UKKA website and access detailed unit-specific data through the UK Renal Registry data portals.
