Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Public Health and Surveillance
Date Submitted: Aug 4, 2025
Date Accepted: Jan 14, 2026
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Renal Disease in Saudi Residents Attending Primary Healthcare Centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Renal disease -including medical and surgical conditions- poses a significant public health challenge globally and within Saudi Arabia. Understanding its prevalence and predictors is essential for guiding prevention and management strategies.
Objective:
To determine the prevalence of renal disease including both medical (e.g., chronic kidney disease) and surgical conditions (e.g., kidney stones) and to identify independent predictors among adults attending primary healthcare centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and July 2023, using multi-stage cluster sampling to recruit adults aged 18 years and above from 48 primary healthcare centers in Riyadh’s Health Cluster 2. Data were collected via a validated, interviewer-administered electronic questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and medical history. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of renal disease, with results expressed as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results:
Among 14,239 participants, the prevalence of self-reported renal disease (including both medical and surgical conditions) was 3.5%. Age under 50 years was associated with higher odds of renal disease compared to those over 50 (AOR=1.22; 95% CI: 1.02–1.47). Females had 1.51 times higher odds than males (AOR=1.51; 95% CI: 1.24–1.84). Participants with health insurance had increased odds (AOR=1.74; 95% CI: 1.44–2.11). Smoking was strongly linked to renal disease (AOR=3.07; 95% CI: 2.38–3.96). Comorbidities significantly associated with renal disease included diabetes (AOR=1.51; 95% CI: 1.12–2.04), hypertension (AOR=2.27; 95% CI: 1.67–3.08), obesity (AOR=12.75; 95% CI: 9.97–16.30), hypercholesterolemia (AOR=1.93; 95% CI: 1.43–2.60), and heart disease (AOR=6.84; 95% CI: 5.14–9.10).
Conclusions:
Renal disease affects a notable proportion of adults in Riyadh, with several modifiable risk factors and comorbidities independently associated. These findings highlight the need for targeted screening and prevention programs addressing lifestyle factors and chronic disease management.
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