New Delhi:A recent nationwide survey has shed light on a concerning health issue affecting children and adolescents in India. According to findings released on Thursday, approximately 4.9% of India's child and adolescent population in the age group of 5-19 years amounting to around 49,000 cases per million population, suffers from chronic kidney disease. 

Key findings from the study highlight that impaired kidney function is more prevalent among males and in rural areas. The states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and West Bengal showed higher incidence rates, whereas Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Kerala reported lower prevalence.

This condition, if left unchecked, can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD), which worsens over time, posing significant public health challenges. Conducted as part of the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS) between 2016 and 2018, researchers from All India Institute of Medical Sciences - Bathinda and Vijaypur, alongside The George Institute for Global Health India, analyzed data from 24,690 individuals aged 5-19 years.

Factors contributing to this health issue include age, rural residence, lower maternal education levels, and stunting. "Addressing these factors is crucial for improving child health outcomes," emphasized Prof. Vivekanand Jha, Executive Director of The George Institute for Global Health, India. 

  • The study showed that most of the people who suffer from kidney diseases belong to boys from rural areas
  • It also showed that diet, education of parents and social background affects their children's health
  • Lack of health literacy, non-availability of health services and reluctance to seek proper treatment are also contributing factors.
  • Malnutrition, usage of pesticides and smoking can also cause kidney diseases

The study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and policies to prioritize pediatric kidney health on a national scale. "It's time to prioritize pediatric kidney health in our national health agenda," urged Prof. Jha.

This survey serves as a critical step in understanding and addressing the burden of impaired kidney function among India's youth, urging stakeholders to act swiftly to prevent long-term health implications. IANS