1 Knowledge, attitudes & practices on chronic kidney disease among people of the north central province of Sri Lanka

Abstract : Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) has become a major health issue of national interest in Sri Lanka. A significant number of patients with CKDu are from the north central province. Several research projects have been carried out to find out the etiology & risk factors of CKDu. The aim of our research was to assess the awareness of the disease among the people in the north central province of Sri Lanka. These findings will be important when formulating preventive measures. A descriptive cross sectional study conducted in the north central province of Sri Lanka. The sample size was 240. The data was collected from an interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive data was presented as numbers and percentages and the differences between categories were checked with the chi-squared test. Out of 242 participants, 56.6% had poor level of knowledge regarding CKDu while 43.4% had good level of knowledge. Majority of the participants (60.3%) were following good practices to prevent the disease while the remaining 39.7% were not concerned about good practice methods. Attitudes were poor in 48.3% of the participants and satisfactory in the remaining 51.7%. Level of knowledge, attitudes and practices further varied according to the sociodemographic factors. The level of knowledge and attitudes regarding CKDu was not satisfactory since the majority of the participants were below the average standard. The safe practices and preventive measures taken by the participants were comparatively satisfactory since the majority had a good level of safe practicing to prevent the disease.

Keyword : Chronic Kidney Disease , sociodemographic factors