Only 24% Indians aware of causes of kidney disorders

To create awareness on renal disorders,NephroLife – a hi-tech renal disease management hospital in Bangalore,in collaboration with Synovate conducted a consumer awareness survey across six major cities. This study,surveyed 100 men and women in each city in the age group of 20 – 50 years in SEC A and A+ classes; a total sample of over 600 people responded.

The survey provides some eye-opening insights into how low awareness can not only lead to the delay in treatment of some of the irreversible lifestyle diseases but also have serious health ramifications. Only 24% of Indians polled were aware of the causes of the renal disease with Delhites being the least aware at 10%. Also a mere 34% of the Delhites polled were aware that Kidney Failure is incurable but the progression can be controlled with medical treatment.

Keeping in line with the same view,Sushma Rani,Senior Nephrologist added,“Preventive nephrology will be successful only when there is awareness about the importance of early detection and preventive health checkups. Merely awareness will not suffice,unless people recognize the risk and are willing to undergo regular screenings.”

The survey goes on to show that there is an urgent need to spread awareness about renal diseases amongst the masses lest the situation goes out of control. Nephrology,being a physician based practice and not merely a surgical specialty has been neglected so far. It is shocking that 64% of the people polled were not even aware of a Nephrologist being a Kidney specialist.