Kidney diseases: Kolkata, Chennai most aware

The objective of the survey was to find out the awareness level about kidney diseases in six cities: Delhi Hyderabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Bangalore.

According to the survey, only 20 per cent of the respondents knew about the symptoms of kidney diseases. More than 61 per cent had not undertaken a health check-up even after the lapse of a year and were unable to recall when they had their last medical check-up.

While Kolkata and Chennai topped the list in being most aware about renal diseases, Mumbai was the most ignorant.  However, Bangalore with a score of 38 per cent reflected awareness that diabetes and hypertension could cause kidney disease. Interestingly, the survey stated that only 37 per cent of respondents knew that kidney
specialists were called nephrologists.

The survey also revealed that only 25 per cent of them knew that blood test was the only way of detecting diabetes. On the outcome of the survey, senior nephrologist Dr Sushma Rani said, “Mere awareness is not sufficient. People need to recognise the risk factor involved and undergo regular screenings.”