Participating institutions name and acronyms

Brigham and Women’s Health Hospital/Harvard Medical School

Wuqu Kawoq/Maya Health Alliance

INCAP

Cardiovascular Surgical Unit- UNICAR

CIIPEC Researchers

Carlos Mendoza Montano

Abstract

In Guatemala, the mortality rate from chronic kidney disease (CKD) has tripled over the last decade, and the RRT rate is substantially less than the regional Latin American average, suggesting significant under detection. In addition, a recent series of registry- and center-based reports have highlighted the probable existence of CKD among agricultural workers in Guatemala. However, there is no existing population-level data on CKD in Guatemala and representative surveys of diabetes, hypertension, and other important risk factors are largely limited to urban centers. However, nearly 50% of the population is indigenous Maya, residing in rural agricultural communities. This population also has one of the highest rates of child undernutrition in the world, and low birthweight is prevalent. These early life exposures likely amplify the risk for diabetes, CKD, and other noncommunicable diseases later in life.

General objective

To determine the prevalence of CKD and risk factors associated with this disease in two communities of Guatemala, as well as factors associated with access to health services for CKD.

Methodology

This project studies the prevalence of CKD and Non-traditional Chronic Kidney (CKDnT) using a cross-sectional design in a representative sample of two distinct, underserved, rural communities in Guatemala: one indigenous Mayan community (Tecpan, Chimaltenango) and one non-indigenous agricultural worker community (San Antonio, Suchitepéquez). The study also aims to identify risk factors using a case-control study and to collect qualitative data from participants to better understand disease narratives and care seeking behaviors.

Project duration

January 2018- December 2020