Chronic kidney disease mortality in Costa Rica ; geographical distribution, spatial analysis and non-traditional risk factors

Abstract

Central America in general and Costa Rica in particular have been facing with increasing number of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Experts have recently (2013) recommended spatial analysis of the relevant data for better understanding of the situation.

This study was performed to evaluate geographical distribution of CKD mortality in Costa Rica through spatial analysis of CKD mortality data. The study also looked at associations between CKD mortality and environmental factors. Moreover, this thesis evaluated physicians’ knowledge about non-traditional factors affecting CKD.

CKD mortality data (1980 - 2012) were statistically and spatially analysed. Over the study period, CKD mortality showed an upward trend and geographically progressed to the neighbouring areas. Northern parts of the country were identified as the hot spot.

Significant associations between CKD mortality and temperature, permanent crops and precipitation were observed (p< 0.05). There were inconsistencies in the effect of temperature and precipitation in different parts of the country. The study also showed an inadequate knowledge of physicians on the possible environmental risk factors for CKD.

The findings of this study provided objective evidence on the progressive nature of the CKD problem in Costa Rica. This study also provided further evidence in support of the newly emerging non-traditional risk factors for CKD (agricultural occupation, heat stress etc.). Further investigations are recommended.

Popular Abstract

The two kidneys are vital organs in the body with the main function of filtering out waste products from the blood stream. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) happens when the function of the kidney is not as before which means the kidney is damaged. CKD is now recognised as a global public health issue, but there are areas in the world in which CKD is a more prominent public health issue. One of those areas is Central America.

So far, investigations have pointed out several factors as the possible underlying causes of the current CKD increase in Central America, including environmental and occupational factors. In order to better understand the current CKD increase in Central America, we looked at the publicly available data related to CKD deaths in Costa Rica and visualised the findings on Costa Rica’s map. The visualisation was carried out through a modern and sophisticated system called “GIS” or “Geographic Information System”.

The maps identified northern part of the country as the hot spot which requires further attention by authorities when allocating resources for public health issues. The maps also showed more CKD related deaths in the geographic areas with more likelihood of exposure to heat and with more farming activities. These findings provide more evidence in support of the likely association between CKD and environmental and occupational factors. Further investigations are recommended.

• author: A Sanati, Negin
• supervisor: Ali Mansourian
• organization: Dept of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science
• alternative title: Environmental and occupational factors in chronic kidney disease mortality in Costa Rica
• course: GISM01 20142
• year: 2015
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Medicine and Health Sciences
• keywords: chronic kidney disease, physical geography and ecosystem analysis, GIS, hot spot, heat exposure, farming
• publication/series: LUMA-GIS Thesis
• report number: 39
• language: English
• id: 5464431
• date added to LUP: 2015-06-05 17:55:40
• date last changed: 2015-06-05 17:55:40